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Alexander City council backs program to address unsafe properties, staff describes timeline and training burns
Summary
Council approved a resolution declaring specified properties unsafe and staff described a city revitalization approach — referenced in the meeting as the 'AGRID' program — that uses existing budgeted funds, asbestos testing and controlled burns with fire‑department participation for training and removal; staff said asbestos testing is scheduled for May 19 with follow-up work planned this summer.
The Alexander City Council on May 4 approved a resolution deeming multiple properties beyond repair and unsafe and heard staff describe the city’s planned process for addressing those blighted properties.
City staff explained the stepwise enforcement process: an initial community complaint or field observation leads to certified notice to property owners; if mailings are returned the city performs an abstract/title review and follows up with additional certified notices. Staff said that, after those steps, the timeline to move from notice to potential remediation can be roughly 60 days if owners do not respond.
As part of new‑business discussion staff outlined a revitalization initiative referenced in the transcript as the “AGRID program.” Staff said the program would use existing budgeted funds, coordinated work with the police and fire departments for training, and asbestos testing before any demolition. "We use money that's already allotted inside the budget to set aside for this purpose," a staff member said, and staff described scheduling asbestos testing for May 19 with test results expected about 10 days later and training/demolition activity planned in June–August, subject to safety constraints.
Councilors praised the cleanup plan as a way to improve neighborhood safety, raise property values and create opportunities for local contractors to rehabilitate lots. Council also noted practical limits when demolitions or burns approach denser neighborhoods, where additional safety planning will be required.
What it changes: the council resolution confirms the city’s authority to act on properties found to be unsafe; program details described at the meeting set an operational path for testing, training burns and demolition where appropriate.
Next steps: staff will proceed with asbestos testing and notify property owners per the enforcement process; further action will follow testing results and standard code‑enforcement procedures.
