Downtown neighbors press city on unsightly Simmons lot and alleged permit irregularities

During the public-comment period, residents pressed the commission on two persistent land-use concerns.

John Cascone (1166) described what he called an ongoing public-health nuisance at the Simmons property (bordered by 3rd, 4th and Beach streets): standing water and overgrown brush for more than a year, mosquito problems adjacent to a daycare, and propane tanks stored on the lot. Cascone said earlier complaints (dating to July 2024) met only slow administrative responses and that city staff told him negotiations with developers had delayed enforcement. "My health, safety, and welfare is being bargained by lawyers..." he said, and urged the city to take action if the owner/developer does not abate the nuisance.

James Pledger (1286) described a separate concern about permits and nonconforming lots. Pledger said 1826 Amelia Avenue was conveyed and represented as unbuildable, yet he alleges permits have been issued that undermine earlier determinations; he urged equal treatment and asked the city to rescind permits that conflict with the land-development code.

Ms. Prince responded in updates later in the meeting that staff had attempted negotiated compliance with the developer on the Simmons lot to avoid escalation and public disturbance, but that if a compromise fails staff would pursue code enforcement actions; she expected to hear from the developer’s attorney this week. Commissioners urged staff to accelerate remedies if negotiations do not produce cleanup and discussed the possibility of the city doing the work and liening the property for costs.