Washington Park commissioners authorize condemnation process for 320 Isabella Avenue, suspendable if owners present contract or listing in 30 days

At its May 5 meeting, the Washington Park Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to begin condemnation proceedings for the property at 320 Isabella Avenue after the owners failed to appear in person to address the Board.

Commissioner Lee Bowen moved to start the condemnation process; Commissioner Wade Dale seconded the motion and it passed by all members present. The motion includes a 30-day safety valve: if the owners provide a construction contract or list the house with a realtor within 30 days, the Town will suspend the condemnation process.

Town staff and the town attorney had previously sent a certified letter requesting the owners attend the meeting. The owners emailed the clerk earlier the same day saying they could not attend but that they had restored and installed a front door and were working with a contractor to finalize a renovation bid.

The Board discussed the long history of flexibility afforded to the property owners and noted that condemnation is a time-consuming process. Commissioner Bowen framed the motion as a step that can be halted if tangible progress is shown in the coming month.

The next procedural step identified in the meeting notes is for staff to pursue the condemnation process while monitoring any documentation the owners submit within the 30-day window. No formal timetable for the condemnation itself was specified at the meeting.