Council approves make‑safe/demolish orders on two properties; Kingdom Life Church outlines fundraising to demolish former Maple Grove Elementary

Council voted on June 8 to issue make‑safe or demolish orders for two properties that have been long on the city’s red‑tag list.

Public safety staff reported the house at 108 West Barnes (state equalized value $16,400) needs an estimated $137,000 in repairs; the council approved a 21‑day make‑safe/demolish order after public‑safety recommendation. For 408 Sawyer Road (SEV $36,713), staff reported estimated repairs of $139,000 and little permit activity since the original red tag in July 2024; council approved a 60‑day make‑safe/demolish order.

During the public comment period, Rebecca Nobles, office administrator for Kingdom Life Church, told the council the church has decided to demolish the vacant Maple Grove Elementary School at 6031 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Nobles said the church has obtained demolition bids, selected contractors and raised about $90,000 toward an estimated $350,000 demolition and asbestos abatement. “We have raised approximately $90,000 over the last four months toward the estimated $350,000 cost of demolition,” Nobles said, and asked the city to partner with the church to speed a privately led demolition and reuse process.

Nobles said the church’s plan includes public fundraising, a July 25th event on the property and work with BDS Environmental to complete asbestos abatement steps. She urged the council to consider partnering to avoid a more costly city‑led demolition and to support a quicker transition from blight to community use.

Council took the make‑safe/demolish votes by roll call/voice vote as recorded in the meeting minutes and noted a separate item was pulled for later consideration.