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Council delays condemnation of 1505 2nd Street for 60 days and orders property boarded
Summary
After a public hearing on a deteriorated property at 1505 2nd Street, the council granted a 60-day continuance to allow a potential sale, required the owner to board the structure before the weekend and directed staff to return if the sale falls through.
The Alexandria City Council opened a public hearing June 2 on a recommendation to condemn the structure at 1505 2nd Street (also referenced in the hearing as 1505 Main Street) and then agreed to a temporary postponement while the owner pursues a prospective sale.
City staff reported that notice of condemnation had been mailed and requested condemnation because the structure was open to the elements and a public-safety concern; staff said transients were entering the building. The owner’s attorney, Marion French, told the council the owner, Richard Holloway, is negotiating two potential sales and asked for time to complete a transaction that would return the property to productive use.
Councillors pressed staff and counsel on consequences: staff explained that condemnation would start a statutory clock (staff described a 30-day remediation timeline once notice is received) and that condemnation can lead to city contractor work if the owner fails to act. Council members and counsel negotiated a 60-day continuance as a compromise; the council also asked that the owner board up the house by the coming weekend, requested that no-trespassing signage be filed with police, and asked to be notified promptly if a sale fails.
Marion French said he had no objection to boarding up the property; staff confirmed no-trespassing signs were already posted. A council member noted the house is historically old but staff said historic-district designation does not prevent condemnation or demolition absent other protections.
The motion to continue the matter for 60 days with the boarding requirement carried. Staff will return with the item on the council agenda after the continuance or sooner if circumstances change.
