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Minden council orders demolition of three South Street properties after owners present repair estimates
Summary
The Minden City Council unanimously authorized Mayor Cox to condemn and demolish structures at 505, 509 and 511 South Street after a family representative said owners planned to rehabilitate the properties but council members cited long vacancies and neighborhood impact.
The Minden City Council voted unanimously June 1 to authorize Mayor Cox to issue condemnation orders and remove structures at three South Street parcels after hearing testimony from a family representative who said the owners plan to repair the homes.
Sandra Dozier, who identified herself as representing the Frank Gardner estate, told the council she had tax records and contractor estimates and said the family intended to “rehab all of the properties.” She said one house at 505 South Street has a recently replaced roof and that contractors are ready to begin work. “I am here to be truthful,” Dozier said in presenting invoices and bids.
Council members pushed back on whether past inaction and lengthy vacancies made rehabilitation unlikely. “It’s unreasonable for us to believe that the intent is to rehab these properties when they have been left vacant for almost 10 years,” a council member said, urging action to protect neighbors and public health. The council cited complaints about trash, trespassing and structural deterioration raised by neighbors and staff inspections.
After debate, the council approved separate orders: for 505 South Street the mayor was authorized to issue a condemnation and to demolish and clean the lot within 60 days; for 509 and 511 South Street the council ordered demolition and cleanup within 30 days. The motions were seconded and carried without recorded opposition.
Dozier said the estate has estimates for roof and foundation work and is prepared to contract for repairs, and she offered to provide invoices and contractor documentation to city staff. City staff noted that the council had previously tabled related actions and that prior timelines and notices had been part of earlier hearings.
The council’s action was framed as balancing the owners’ stated intent to repair and the city’s duty to address blighted properties that affect adjacent neighborhoods. The orders take effect immediately and direct city staff to proceed with demolition and lot cleanup timelines specified in the motions.
The council did not provide a member-by-member roll call in the public discussion; the motions were recorded as passing unanimously. The item will proceed under the city’s condemnation and nuisance-abatement procedures.
