Emporia Council schedules April public hearing on blighted-property ordinance after fire-damaged home deemed unsafe

Emporia City Council on March 17 voted to set a public hearing for April 21, 2026 to consider adopting a blighted-property ordinance that staff said would give the city formal tools to address properties that threaten public health and safety.

City Manager William E. Johnson III told council the structure at 951 Mill Road was destroyed by fire on October 3, 2023 and that the parcel is now unsafe and “considered blighted” because of its current condition. He asked council to schedule a public hearing to consider an ordinance and policy that would allow the city to require corrective action and, where owners fail to act, carry out abatement measures.

City Attorney Eric A. Gregory said state law authorizes localities to adopt ordinances to address blighted properties. He described the anticipated process: the city would notify the property owner, develop an abatement plan and, if the owner does not comply, may pursue acquisition by eminent domain as a last resort. Councilman James C. Saunders moved to set the April 21 hearing; Councilman Mark S. Lilly seconded and the motion passed on a roll-call vote with the members recorded as voting 'aye.'

Council members acknowledged potential cleanup costs and the hope that the property could attract interest from buyers, but they approved moving the issue to the public hearing so residents and stakeholders can comment before council considers ordinance adoption.

The next procedural step is the public hearing on April 21, when council will receive public testimony and consider formal adoption of the ordinance and any site-specific actions for 951 Mill Road.