City staff recommend condemning vacant structure at 108 Barrett after repeated deterioration and unpaid liens

Neighborhood Services Manager James Hartage recommended the board declare a vacant structure at 108 Barrett Street a nuisance and condemn it for demolition under Title 17 of the Hot Springs code, citing extended deterioration and repeated failure to secure or repair the building.

Hartage said the property is owned by Timothy Korpi of Vassar, Michigan, and carries a current property tax balance of $922.63. He reminded the board that the owner previously held properties at 106 and 107 Barrett that the city condemned and removed in 2024, producing liens totaling $12,022.04. The department also placed boards on the structure in 2024, but Hartage said packet photographs dated April 23, 2025 show the boards have been removed and the structure is open again; the boarding action resulted in a lien of $1,055.99.

Hartage said staff performed a limited title search, sent a notice of condemnation, and received a signed green card acknowledging receipt; because of extended deterioration and the owner's inability or unwillingness to secure or repair the property, staff recommended condemnation and demolition.

Why it matters: The recommendation is part of the city’s code‑enforcement process to remove public‑safety hazards and blight that have already generated liens and prior condemnations in the same ownership chain.

Next step: The resolution declaring the structure a nuisance and authorizing condemnation will be on the July 21 agenda for formal action.