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Owners tell council they need time as Mobile moves to declare unsafe structures nuisances
Summary
Property owners addressed the council before votes declaring multiple structures public nuisances. Owners cited failed loan attempts, health problems, and ongoing repairs and asked for notification and extensions; the council approved several demolition orders and tabled one item for 1167 Texas Street.
Several property owners urged the Mobile City Council on June 23 to allow more time and to provide clear notice before proceeding with demolition orders.
Theodore Williams, owner of the property at 613 Rue Street, told the council he had "tried to get several loans to...clear the property and I failed" and that he would put the property up for sale. Williams asked the city to "notify me a time and date" before any action so he could remove items he wished to save. Despite his plea, the council approved resolution 40-427 declaring the structure a public nuisance and ordering demolition.
Reginald Chambers spoke about two properties at 1163 and 1167 Texas Street, saying medical issues and the loss of a lender delayed work. Chambers said he expects another lender to close on financing for 1167 "in about 2 more weeks" and asked for an extension. Council discussion resulted in the council approving demolition for 1163 (resolution 40-429) while moving the item for 1167 (resolution 40-430) to table for further review and owner outreach.
James Williams, speaking during the public comment period, urged policy adjustments to help owners in historic neighborhoods obtain loans and keep properties in family ownership, noting federal grants and historic society resources that might assist rehabilitation efforts.
Council staff directed owners to follow up with city representatives for available resources and timelines. Neighborhood and Code Enforcement was assigned to notify owners when actions are scheduled and to track communications. The council’s action creates an immediate timeline for remediation or demolition in several cases and leaves at least one case open for further review.
Theodore Williams said he would begin removing personal items immediately; Chambers said he would continue repair efforts and keep city staff informed. The council’s recorded actions included approvals for demolition orders on multiple properties and a one-week tabled action for 1167 Texas Street.
