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Gun Barrel City council orders demolition of unsafe structure at 295 Ben Lacy
Summary
After a staff presentation, council found the property at 295 Ben Lacy dilapidated, declared it unsafe and adopted an order directing abatement and demolition; staff said owners consent but lack funds and want the city to proceed with demolition with repayment arrangements.
Council on June 23 adopted an order finding the buildings at 295 Ben Lacy dilapidated, substandard and unfit for human habitation and directing abatement and demolition.
Shannon Wiggins, the city’s building official, told council code enforcement opened the case in March and that the property owners agree the structure must be removed but lack the financial means. "They wish for us to move forward with the demo, and they will pay us back," Wiggins said, according to staff remarks.
Council first voted to determine the structure unsafe and then adopted an order (Order 295 Ben Lacy) that makes factual findings and authorizes demolition and abatement. The order describes the buildings as hazards to public health, safety and welfare and directs city staff to proceed with abatement.
Staff explained the city will file the appropriate lien on the property to recover demolition costs and that taxes and liens are handled before any recovered funds are released. Councilmembers recorded their votes on the motions and both actions passed on roll-call votes.
Next steps: staff will coordinate demolition logistics, obtain invoices and place a lien on the property if the city performs the abatement. The timetable for demolition was not specified at the meeting.
