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Council denies appeal and affirms demolition order for long‑decayed multifamily property
Summary
The council heard an appeal to delay demolition of a distressed multifamily property at 1609 Westcott Street and voted unanimously to deny the appeal, citing the property's prolonged blight and public‑health concerns and instructing staff to proceed with demolition and cleanup.
Council considered an appeal of a demolition order for a property at 1609 Westcott Street (appeal filed by the purchaser/representative seeking additional time to rehab). Attorneys for the purchaser asked for a 180‑day stay to bid and plan rehabilitation; city staff and council members said the property poses an extended public‑safety and blight issue and recommended moving forward with demolition.
A city representative described the site as "overgrown" with significant code violations, and one council member noted the property had been an eyesore for decades. The council voted to deny the appeal and uphold the demolition order; the outcome was recorded as unanimous.
Council members urged any prospective owner to coordinate quickly with inspectors and remediation contractors if they intend to rehabilitate neighboring occupied units, but the immediate action is to allow the city to proceed with demolition and abatement steps previously authorized.
Why it matters: the ruling clears the way for city action to remove an unsafe structure that council members said has depressed conditions for nearby residents and created ongoing hazards. The council emphasized the need to prioritize occupied units and neighborhood health.
The council recorded a unanimous vote to deny the appeal and proceed with demolition.
