CRA board approves demolition contract for 425 Kissimmee Avenue

The City of Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency voted 4-0 to approve a demolition contract for 425 Kissimmee Avenue, authorizing staff to use CRA demolition funds to remove unsafe conditions and to recapture the cost later through an ad valorem special assessment.

City staff described the work as an abatement ordered by code enforcement. The executive director said, “This is actually an item from our code enforcement staff ... we’ll use those funds to abate it and then we’ll recapture that money later through an ad valorem special assessment.”

Chair Robin Gibson asked who would hold the title after demolition, and a staff member clarified that title remains with the property owner and the CRA will place a lien for the cost of the abatement. The staff comment noted that if assessments are not paid, foreclosure remains an option.

A board member moved to approve the demolition contract and the motion was seconded. Because the item involved expenditure, the board took a roll-call vote: Mayor Hilligoss, Commissioner Thompson, Commissioner Gillespie and Chair Gibson voted yes; Commissioner Williams was not present. The motion carried.

The board did not receive any public comments on the item. Staff said the lien would be entered into the tax assessment roll to recover abatement costs. The board did not set an effective date beyond the approval and directed staff to proceed with the work under the approved funding and lien structure.

The CRA’s action addresses a long-standing code-enforcement matter at the property; staff indicated the work will be funded from the CRA demo line and repaid via assessment if the owner does not reimburse costs.