Minden council tables two condemned South Street homes, grants 180 days to another

MINDEN — The Minden City Council on May 4 debated the fates of four condemned properties on South Street, ultimately tabling action on 505 and 511 South Street and approving a 180-day period for the owner of 507 South Street to either rehabilitate or demolish that house.

Chandra Dozier, who identified herself as representing the family that owns the three properties, told the council the family plans to refurbish all three homes and has contractors lined up to assess work. Dozier said the combined assessed value of the three properties is “over $70,000” and that the family estimates roughly nine months total to complete repairs (about three months per home if work is staged). “We will provide the details concerning the properties at the June meeting,” Dozier said, offering to submit a written plan.

Council members expressed differing views on how much time to allow and whether rehabilitation was realistic. Councilman Miles said he was willing to give the owners “up to 180 days” to begin work or to demolish the structures but said proof of an active, binding contract with a licensed contractor would be required to show progress. Councilman Pendergrass emphasized the city’s duty to treat blight seriously and warned that some properties appeared “too far gone.”

On item specifics: a motion to table consideration of 505 South Street carried after a motion from Councilman Thomas; a separate motion to table 509 South Street failed after council debate; a tie vote on 511 South Street was broken by the presiding officer in favor of tabling that item. For 507 South Street (the Toby Oliver estate), Councilman Miles moved to give the owner 180 days to demolish or rehabilitate the property; Councilman Pendergrass seconded the motion, and the council approved it unanimously. Council members cited the homeowner’s recent surgery and asked that the owner submit a concrete, written plan and any contractor agreements for review before the June meeting.

Dozier told the council she had already met with the mayor and contractors and that neighbors had discussed the family’s intentions with her. She also reported incidents of illegal dumping on the vacant properties and said contractors would assess material availability and timelines before delivering the written plan.

The council’s actions will be revisited at the next regular meeting scheduled for June 1, when Dozier said the family will present its rehabilitation plan in writing. If the owners fail to demonstrate acceptable progress under the 180-day timeline or do not submit the required contractor agreements, council members indicated the city could pursue condemnation remedies or demolition.