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Grafton council orders demolition of fire‑damaged home at 636 Prospect Avenue
Summary
The City of Grafton ordered demolition of the severely fire‑damaged property at 636 Prospect Avenue after finding repairs would exceed $155,000 and the building is unfit for habitation; owners have 30 days to appeal under municipal ordinance and will receive written notice.
The Grafton City Council voted unanimously on Sept. 9 to order demolition of the structure at 636 Prospect Avenue, owned by Cody Paetow and Katherine Hughes, after Administrator Nick Ziegelmann reported the house was damaged by a November 2023 fire and repair estimates exceed $155,000.
At the public hearing the Council reviewed findings of fact that the assessed land value is $7,000, the detached garage is valued at $7,700, the structure in its damaged condition has an actual value of $0.00, and the building is not fit for habitation or compliant with code. Citing Code Section 5-350 (as referenced in the meeting minutes), the Council concluded that necessary repairs exceed 50% of the structure’s original value and constitute a blight on the neighborhood.
Brad Burianek moved to demolish the structure and Loree Osowski seconded; the motion passed on unanimous roll call. Administrator Ziegelmann will obtain demolition quotes so work can proceed after the 30‑day appeal window, and the property owners will receive written notice of the Council’s action and the right to appeal to District Court.
Why it matters: the decision clears a public-safety and neighborhood-blight issue and initiates a timeline for removal and potential municipal remediation if no appeal is filed.
