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Board of Works orders timelines, sets potential $5,000 penalties for multiple noncompliant properties
Summary
At its meeting, the Board of Works reviewed a string of long-running code-enforcement cases, ordered owners to provide written timelines for repairs or cleanup, and authorized inspectors to assess civil penalties — up to $5,000 — if deadlines are missed.
The Board of Works pressed multiple property owners to make measurable progress on long-standing code-enforcement cases and set firm timelines to avoid civil penalties.
During a multi-hour review, the inspector detailed repeated orders and photographs for properties including 4068 John Street, 53 West Lake Street, 705 East New York and 406 West Elm. The inspector said that despite earlier notices and repeated attempts at contact, some properties remain in violation of city maintenance and safety ordinances, with issues ranging from tall vegetation and trash to deteriorating brick and unsafe outbuildings.
Peggy, the owner of 4068 John Street, told the board she moved into the property in 2023 and inherited a large mess from previous tenants. She said health problems and caregiving responsibilities have slowed cleanup but that she is making slow progress. Legal counsel explained quitclaim deeds offer limited remedies against prior owners and recommended the owner seek independent legal advice regarding title issues.
For 53 West Lake Street (a commercial building with a hair salon), a property manager said he has invested more than $40,000 in repairs this year but still needs masonry and electrical work. Board members emphasized the risk of freeze-thaw damage this winter and asked the owner to provide a written schedule. The inspector agreed to coordinate inspections and return with a progress report at the next meeting.
The board moved to have inspector Lonnie work with the owners of several properties to produce written timelines. For the 705 East New York parcel — which has long been the subject of complaints about trailers, storage units and unsafe structures — the board adopted a motion requiring a cleanup timetable; the motion stated that failure to meet the timeline would allow the city to assess a $5,000 civil penalty and pursue contractor removal if necessary.
At 406 West Elm, where a motor home and other debris remain, the board gave the owner one month to provide the name of a contractor to remove the motor home or face a $5,000 civil penalty and city-arranged removal. The board recorded these actions as motions and said inspectors will verify compliance before the next Board of Works meeting.
The board also dismissed a Southbrook mowing complaint after the owner mowed and barricaded private road access; and for 419 West Village Drive the inspector recommended a burn-warning as the property had substantially improved but still had safety concerns.
The board concluded the agenda item by reiterating that written timelines and demonstrable progress must be presented at the next meeting to avoid penalties and further enforcement.
