Memphis City Council orders notice requiring repair or demolition of collapsed Potter Street house

The City of Memphis Council voted unanimously on April 21 to notify the owner of 34711 Potter Street that the collapsed dwelling must be repaired or removed, after neighbors and the fire chief described the structure as unsafe and an eyesore.

Tamie Rawlings, a neighbor who lives at 34686 Bordman Road, told the council she and her husband have spoken with the homeowner and that he now lives in Medilodge and is bedridden. Rawlings said the house on Potter Street “is an eyesore and there are critters living in it,” and she urged city action.

Sandra Phillips asked whether it was safe to enter the building. The Fire Chief responded, “No, there is no roof; it collapsed. The stairs are gone and the basement is flooded with water,” and added the homeowner had no insurance. The Fire Chief also noted a vehicle on the property that may belong to the owner and said the police chief would be asked to investigate its title.

Following the public comments, Councilman Sopha moved, and Councilmember Dunbar supported, a motion to send a formal notice to the homeowner requiring that the house be altered, repaired or torn down by the deadline stated in the notice. The motion directed that if the owner does not comply, the city will have the house demolished and either bill the owner or place a lien on the property in accordance with city code. The motion carried by unanimous vote; roll call earlier listed five members present (Dunbar, Harper, Mazur, Sopha and Mayor Tammy Wehrum).

Mayor Tammy Wehrum opened and closed the public hearing as part of the Council’s April 21 agenda; Councilman Sopha adjourned the meeting at 7:11 p.m. The city will send the notice to the homeowner and follow up on vehicle ownership with the police department as indicated by the Fire Chief.