Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Litigation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City attorney details severe code violations, federal lawsuit tied to property given to Harvest Time Christian Fellowship
Summary
City attorney reported on April 15 inspection of a city-conveyed property (11055 JW), documenting severe interior filth, animal‑harboring and safety hazards; the city has filed nuisance and contract‑breach claims while the church filed a federal lawsuit alleging religious discrimination.
The Warren city attorney provided a detailed legal update on June 9 about litigation to recover a property the city conveyed to Harvest Time Christian Fellowship in 2019 for $1, conditioned on repairs and use as transitional housing.
An April 15, 2026 inspection conducted under court order documented extensive code violations, unsanitary conditions, animal feces, blocked exits, an inaccessible electrical panel and other hazards that city staff described as creating a serious public‑health and safety risk. City inspectors reported about 70 property‑maintenance violations over several years that remained uncorrected.
City attorneys have filed a claim to recover the property and a nuisance action alleging misuse and deterioration. The city said it will seek a court declaration that the property is a nuisance and aim to expedite enforcement because the interior conditions pose ongoing health risks to neighbors.
The property owner and church pastor filed a federal lawsuit alleging retaliation and religious discrimination; the city attorney characterized that federal complaint as without merit and pledged to defend the city and taxpayers vigorously. Staff indicated the litigation will increase legal costs and that the city will pursue remedies to restore the property for public benefit.
Next steps: city attorneys will pursue court motions to declare the property a public nuisance, seek return or remediation of the property and defend against the federal action. Council asked that inspectors’ reports and complaint copies be circulated to council for review.
