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Code inspector reports demolition schedule, concerns about incomplete repairs at 1352 Middle Street
Summary
The code inspector told the board the Dylan Avenue house was demolished, Columbus Street is slated for demolition in early January, and 1352 Middle Street remains missing siding, windows and sidewalk; board members raised pedestrian-safety concerns and staff offered options including deed transfer to the city.
The board received updates from the code inspector on several unsafe-building cases at its Dec. 18 meeting.
The inspector reported the Dylan Avenue house has been demolished and that the Columbus Street property is scheduled for demolition, likely during the first week of January. For 1352 Middle Street the inspector said the property has not been made watertight as required by a written contract: siding and windows are still missing and a sidewalk is absent; staff also noted an apparent water line issue. The inspector asked whether the owner should be called back before the January meeting to determine next steps.
Board members said there has been some substantial progress at 1352 Middle Street but that the board had not been called out for further inspections. One member flagged pedestrian-safety concerns, saying children must walk in the street near a nearby bus stop because of the site conditions. Staff said they had discussed the issue with Collins, who indicated work will resume when weather permits. Staff also said they had emailed the owner about options including deeding the property to the city instead of incurring a lien and noted a potential partnership with Harlem Career Center to build houses on the parcel if the city obtains it.
No formal vote or order to demolish was recorded at the meeting beyond the scheduling information the inspector provided. The board agreed to monitor progress and discuss any next steps at the next meeting.
