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Housing commission condemns Whitehead Avenue home over severe unsanitary conditions, orders professional cleaning and temporary relocation
Summary
The East Ridge Housing Commission on March 11 unanimously placed 3612 Whitehead Avenue under condemnation after inspectors described overpowering ammonia and widespread cat feces. The commission barred the resident from sleeping there until a paid professional deep clean is completed and verified by staff.
On March 11 the East Ridge Housing Commission voted unanimously to place 3612 Whitehead Avenue under condemnation until a professional deep-cleaning contractor completes work and staff verifies the result.
The commission heard from Tori, a city housing staff member, who said she responded with animal services and found an overwhelming ammonia odor and "cat feces everywhere," and that the kitchen plumbing was effectively turned off. Resident Lisa J., who identified herself to the board, told commissioners she is recovering from recent heart surgery and has struggled with PTSD and depression, and said she had not been able to complete the heavy cleaning herself.
The commission framed the action as a public-health measure to stop the resident and others from remaining overnight in conditions staff judged unsafe. Commissioners discussed options including soliciting bids, allowing the family to hire a contractor, or seeking a warrant for interior access if necessary. They emphasized that condemnation would not prevent the resident from coming and going to retrieve belongings but would prohibit sleeping at the address until the property is certified sanitary.
During the hearing Tori described the health risk: "The smell of ammonia is very very strong, very very overpowering," and said she worried for anyone breathing the air in the home. Lisa J. told the commission, "I'm just recovering from heart surgery," and described limited ability to perform heavy work and lifting.
Commissioners agreed that practical proof of remediation would be a paid invoice from a licensed cleaning contractor plus an inspection by Tori confirming the work. A commissioner moved that the property remain condemned "until such time as a professional cleaning company has completed a deep cleaning service and you've produced an invoice for Tori and she can come to the house and confirm that that company did their work," and the motion passed with recorded 'yes' votes from the vice chair, the commissioners and the chair.
The board asked the resident's daughter to coordinate the cleanup and asked staff for weekly updates. If a contractor completes cleaning quickly, staff may inspect and lift the condemnation without waiting for the next regular meeting; the commission retained the option to call an emergency meeting for an immediate review.
The commission noted an initial contractor estimate mentioned in the hearing of about $1,500–$1,800 for deep cleaning, but commissioners cautioned that final costs could be higher depending on interior damage and whether floors or subfloors require replacement. The commission adjourned after directing staff to stay engaged on timelines and verification steps.
