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Council opens public hearing on 25 condemnations, grants extensions for several owners
Summary
At a June 16 public hearing, Alexandria city council moved to condemn 25 derelict structures and granted staggered demolition or extension periods — notably 60-day windows for owners at 2546 11th Street and 2417 13th Street — while advising owners on succession, permits and potential liens if the city demolishes structures.
The Alexandria City Council opened a public hearing June 16 on a request to condemn 25 structures across the city and took a series of motions, votes and extension requests addressing individual properties.
The hearing began with staff explaining the condemnation process — owners are served notice, given time to remove belongings and may be required to demolish unsafe structures; if the city conducts demolition a lien may be placed on the property. Council then considered dozens of addresses in sequence, taking public comment on many.
Deborah Anderson spoke for the family at 2546 11th Street and asked whether the burned log-cabin could be repaired instead of demolished. She said she lacked funds for contractor estimates and worried about losing the property once a city demolition lien attached. Councilors and staff told her the structure posed safety problems, outlined permitting and contractor requirements and agreed to allow 60 days for removal of personal belongings and progress toward resolution.
Patricia Nichols, who said she had tried multiple times to arrange demolition at 2417 13th Street and had paid contractors who failed to complete work, asked for additional time and assistance. Council discussed prior permit extensions and, noting the family’s circumstances, approved a 60-day extension and offered a list of city-registered contractors and help with permitting.
For the Queens Court property (3520 Queens Court) relatives said the owner had died and the family was pursuing succession; a prospective buyer said she hoped to rehabilitate the lot. Council advised completing succession and permitted a 60-day timeline for removal or a progress report.
Lorenzo David Sior, speaking regarding 1411 South Harbor Street, said a buyer and a local church were negotiating a purchase to demolish the burned structure; council granted a 60-day extension to complete conveyance and demolition plans and emphasized the need for legal documentation and permits.
Across the hearing council motions carried repeatedly to condemn properties where owners were not present; in other cases, individual owners or contractors requested and received delays (commonly 30 or 60 days) to secure permits, contractor bids or succession paperwork. Council repeatedly instructed residents to contact the city office for appointments and contractor lists.
Why it matters: The action affects multiple neighborhoods and property owners, balancing public-safety concerns about unsafe structures with owners’ requests for time to remove belongings or arrange private demolition. Staff repeatedly warned demolition by the city could create a lien on the property, which would remain until paid.
Next steps: A number of condemned properties will return to council after the extension periods for status updates; owners who receive extensions must pursue permits or arrange demolition to avoid city-initiated removal and liens.
