East Ridge Housing Commission closes two code cases and orders condemnation, cleanup bids for Forest Green property

At its March 11 meeting the East Ridge Housing Commission moved to close two long-running code-enforcement cases and to place a separate property into condemnation and solicit bids for cleanup.

Staff told commissioners that 5006 Delaware Drive had been secured and that only minor follow-up trips remained; commissioners voted to close that case. For 201 East Street staff reported that handrails, stair rails and fire safety items had been completed and that a landscaping crew would finish tree work on the 17th; the commission voted to close the matter pending those final items.

The commission also discussed 1200 Forest Green Drive, where staff said cleanup had not occurred and public records did not reflect a sale. Commissioners expressed concern about delays and the property's condition and voted to place the property into condemnation and to solicit bids for cleanup, with the understanding that cleanup costs would be charged against any proceeds of sale.

Votes on the three actions were recorded as unanimous 'yes' from the vice chair, the commission members and the chair. Commissioners emphasized that closing a file does not prevent future re-opening if compliance lapses, and that condemnation and soliciting bids are measures to compel necessary remediation when voluntary cooperation or interior access are lacking.

Commissioners directed staff to continue monitoring the closed properties and to proceed with bid solicitation for 1200 Forest Green Drive, and staff will report back at the next meeting or sooner if progress warrants.