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Resident urges immediate inspection of seven deteriorating properties on Austell Drive
Summary
A Collinsville resident told the council that seven homes near the highway have been vacant and in severe disrepair for about two years, and asked the city to inspect the properties, notify owners, and pursue enforcement if owners do not comply.
Kelly Klica, a Collinsville resident, told the City Council that seven nearby homes have been vacant and deteriorating for roughly two years and called for immediate city action. "These properties have been vacant, and their condition has continued to deteriorate," Klica said, listing addresses she said are affected and describing leaking roofs, unstable porches, overgrown vegetation, boarded and breached windows, and squatting.
Klica said the visible blight near a highway entrance hurts nearby property values and the city’s image. She asked the council to conduct on‑site inspections, notify four different owners she says are responsible, issue formal notices for code violations and pursue all available legal remedies if owners fail to act. The resident said she sent photos and an earlier notice on May 2 and asked to be updated on enforcement steps.
City staff acknowledged the concern and said they would follow up. The clerk and city manager said staff would coordinate with Community Development and perform inspections; City Manager Derek Jackson told Klica the city would follow up and staff would contact her with results.
The comment came during the public‑comment portion of the May 12 meeting. No formal action was taken at the time; staff committed to inspecting the properties and updating the resident and council on next steps.
