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Owner of burned rental property asks for help; council grants 90‑day cleanup extension
Summary
A property trustee who said the building at 104 North Grama Ave was trashed and later burned asked the council for help and evidence; the council voted to extend the cleanup deadline 90 days to allow the owner to work with the city.
A trustee who manages the building at 104 North Grama Avenue told the council he has been unable to get timely follow‑up from public safety officials after tenants abandoned and later burned parts of the property.
"I manage and own the property at 104 North Grey Street," the trustee said, explaining tenants left the place in disrepair and that a subsequent fire damaged the back of the building. He told the council a neighbor had recorded video that could identify the people involved but said he had received limited follow‑up from city police or fire representatives and that he wanted the city to act: "If someone says I have a perp, let me see them," he said.
Code enforcement staff had requested the council declare the property a nuisance and open a public hearing to consider ordering cleanup. Council discussed procedure and timelines and asked the trustee about his ability to complete repairs. The trustee asked for a written extension and requested 90 days to complete the work; he said his hearing aid had been failing and that he had been managing the property while battling cancer.
Councilwoman Bumpers moved to grant 90 days for the trustee to make progress; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. Council asked code enforcement to check progress at interim milestones (some councilors suggested a 30‑ or 60‑day check), and staff said they would mail written instructions and next steps to the trustee.
Why it matters: Declaring a structure a nuisance can trigger city cleanup orders, potential abatement by the city and subsequent charges to the owner if work is not completed. Council gave the trustee time to cooperate before the council would consider further enforcement measures.
What the record shows: The trustee provided a first‑hand account of the fire and the difficulty he’s had getting responsive communication from police and fire personnel; police staff said they would follow up. Council closed the public hearing after extending the timeframe and directed staff to notify the trustee by mail of the extension and required steps.
The council closed the hearing and moved to other business.
