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Buckner aldermen debate whether a vacant car wash used as shelter should be pursued under dangerous‑building or code‑violation procedures
Summary
Council discussed a vacant car wash reportedly being used by unhoused people and weighed whether to pursue a formal 'dangerous building' designation or pursue standard code violations; staff noted an inspector visit would cost roughly $300–$500 and recommended contacting the property owners first.
Council members discussed a vacant car wash on Central that residents reported is being used informally for shelter and noted the site is overgrown and an eyesore. A member said an inspector visit would likely cost about $300–$500 to determine if the structure meets the statutory dangerous‑building threshold; others said the property might be better addressed through ordinary code‑violation procedures focused on weeds, trees and exterior maintenance.
One council member said the city had previously pursued code violations for other derelict properties and suggested contacting the owners first to ask what they plan to do with the parcel. A different member cautioned that a 'dangerous building' designation could require boarding up the structure, which in some cases leads to additional problems, and recommended a measured approach.
Staff and council agreed to inquire further with the property owner and to pursue an inspector visit as appropriate. The city did not take formal enforcement action that evening; council directed staff to make initial contact with the owner and report back.
