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Council authorizes demolition of long-delayed dangerous building at 416 Barclay Avenue
Summary
After a multi-year condemnation process and multiple owner promises to repair, the council authorized demolition and lot clearing of 416 Barclay Avenue with a not-to-exceed demolition contract of $12,500 and lien authority to recover costs.
The Fairhope City Council authorized city staff to contract for demolition and site clearing at 416 Barclay Avenue after a public hearing that laid out a multi-year history of owner inaction.
Eric Cortinas, the building official (S24), summarized the timeline: initial notice went out in April 2021; subsequent notices and owner contacts continued through 2022 and 2023; the city has delayed enforcement to allow owner remediation attempts that ultimately did not occur. Cortinas told council he had received updated contractor quotes and planned to proceed with the lowest qualified bid and would require an affidavit signed by all owners before issuing a demolition permit if the owners sought to contract privately.
Council discussed cost recovery and liens; staff and the city attorney confirmed the city may place a lien on the property to recoup demolition costs if the council approves the resolution. The resolution authorizes the mayor and building official to contract for demolition and clearing with a not-to-exceed amount of $12,500 and directed staff to complete the work within 60 days of the resolution.
Neighboring residents had raised health-and-safety concerns about the property's condition; staff said the scope includes clearing undergrowth and removal of vegetation in addition to structure removal. The motion carried by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will solicit three contractor quotes, issue the contract to the lowest qualified bidder and record a lien on the property to recover city costs if applicable.
