Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the 1248 S Roosevelt topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Owner appears at hearing for 1248 S. Roosevelt; board gives one-month reprieve pending permits or sale
Summary
Michael Forrest, who said he bought 1248 South Roosevelt in fall 2023, appeared with representative Ryan Flanagan and told the board he intended to rehab the building; the board noted prior dangerous-building postings and a signed return receipt and continued the item to Aug. 22 while asking for written plans, permits or a buyer contract.
Michael Forrest, the owner of 1248 South Roosevelt, appeared at the Joplin Board of Appeals meeting with Ryan Flanagan, who represents the property, and asked for more time to pursue a sale or rehabilitation. Forrest said he bought the building in late 2023 and believed he had been working with city inspectors and staff on remediation; he denied having had formal notice that necessitated demolition until receiving a registered letter dated July 1.
Shelley, city staff, told the board the building was posted as dangerous on Aug. 31, 2023, due to concerns that included a structurally unsound back wall, rot and foundation worries. Staff also said the file shows a signed return receipt for a May 30 certified letter that referenced a demolition hearing. Board members repeatedly asked Forrest and his representative for a concrete plan — pulled permits, a written contract with a buyer or an engineering assessment — and warned that repeated delays have led the board to prepare demolition proceedings when owners do not demonstrate progress.
Ryan Flanagan told the board he has an active offer and is negotiating with a potential buyer; board members asked that any buyer be notified that the property is on the building board docket. Forrest offered to secure a structural engineer evaluation if that would help; the board said it would accept a clear written plan or permit evidence before delaying action again.
The board voted to continue item 3117 to an Aug. 22 progress report and demolition hearing; members said they expect documentation of contract status or pulled permits in advance. A member suggested an emergency hearing if a contract does not close quickly after being presented to staff.
Why it matters: The case shows the board balancing potential rehabilitation vs. neighborhood safety and administrative timelines. Owner claims of limited notice and desire to rehab were weighed against written notices in city records and a history of the item appearing before the board.
