Poplar Bluff Building Standards Board reverses one demolition, orders several others and sets multiple review dates

The Poplar Bluff Building Standards Board met March 12, 2026, in City Council Chambers and took a series of actions on long-vacant and deteriorated properties across the city. Chair Lonnie Taylor led the hearing; Acting Building Inspector Daron House presented condition reports and owners gave timelines for repairs or sales.

The board voted to reverse a prior demolition order for 1102 Gardner after staff said the purchaser, Eddie Godinez, had cleaned the property and planned renovation — "new roofs, window, siding, doors, electric, interior" — and had indicated work would start in March or April. "We have a motion and a second to reverse the demolition order on 1102 Gardner," Chair Lonnie Taylor said before the motion carried and the board set a follow-up review for June 11, 2026.

Several other properties were sent to demolition after inspectors reported persistent neglect or repeated squatting. The board voted to send 315 Victor, 420 Nickey, 731 Mill, 317 & 319 Valley, 1014 Grand and 935 Benton to demolition based on staff reports that the buildings were vacant, unsecured or had long histories of vandalism and deterioration.

Other owners were given time to complete repairs or demonstrate progress. Inspector Daron House described 928 West Maud as having a "fairly new roof" but said owners wanted time to sell; the board tabled that case to May 14. 1003 Marion (owner Robert Scott Smith) was tabled to June 11 after Smith described work he had begun and personal setbacks that slowed progress. Miranda Johnson (1203 North 10th) told the board she planned to pay overdue taxes next month and begin phased repairs; the board gave her 30 days to secure the roof and cover basement access. Kenneth and Lisa Collins (1007 Park) reported exterior stabilization and were given until May 14 to show more progress.

Owners whose properties show significant rehabilitation were removed from the demolition list. Inspector House reported extensive repairs at 855 Park and 803 Henderson; the Board removed both properties from the active demolition list after staff confirmed new roofing, framing or interior work.

Property owners and neighbors raised safety and enforcement concerns. Owner Terry Bullock, whose 605 Lexington property has repeatedly suffered vandalism and theft, urged more police presence and better street lighting to deter illegal activity. "I pay a lot of taxes here and I can't keep my houses from being destroyed," Bullock said, asking the Board and council liaison for help; the board tabled his property to May 14 to allow him to pursue lighting and cleanup.

Votes at a glance: The Board approved the minutes of Dec. 11, 2025; reversed demolition for 1102 Gardner and scheduled a June 11 review; voted to send 315 Victor, 420 Nickey, 731 Mill, 317 & 319 Valley, 1014 Grand and 935 Benton to demolition; tabled several properties for progress updates (including 928 West Maud, 616 South B, 1003 Marion, 1007 Park, 1203 North 10th, 714 Sanders, 945 Lester, 605 Lexington and 1331 Benton); and removed 855 Park and 803 Henderson from the demolition list.

What happens next: The Board set multiple review dates (April 9, May 14 and June 11, 2026) for properties where owners said they would begin or continue repairs. For properties moved to demolition, the next steps are enforcement scheduling and coordination with City crews and the Fire Department where training-burn opportunities were discussed.

Board members adjourned at 7:39 p.m.; the transcript was certified by a notary and will be retained as the official record.