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Board declares 108 Barrett Street a nuisance, approves demolition after debate over liens
Summary
The board adopted Resolution R‑26‑130 to condemn and clear a vacant single‑family structure at 108 Barrett Street; staff said the property is owned by Timothy Corpie of Vassar, Michigan, and carries liens and code violations. Public commenter Tyler Draper urged more proactive assistance to prevent blight; the board discussed lien enforcement options and voted with one dissent.
The Hot Springs Board of Directors voted July 21 to declare a vacant structure at 108 Barrett Street a nuisance and approved the staff recommendation to demolish and remove the building. Neighborhood Services Manager James Hardage told the board the property is owned by "Mister Timothy Corpie of Vassar, Michigan" and currently shows a property tax balance of $924.88; Hardage described missing windows and doors, damaged rafters and roof decking, and persistent trash and debris that led staff to seek condemnation.
Hardage said the city has issued multiple notices and that related liens on the owner’s properties total about $13,000 for this parcel (roughly $25,000 across three properties held by the same owner). City Attorney counsel noted that demolition liens are filed of record, run with the land for 10 years and may be certified to tax rolls or pursued via foreclosure, each with economic trade‑offs. "A demolition lien is filed of record just like a mortgage... The lien is good for 10 years," the city attorney said.
Tyler Draper, who said he lives in District 5 and has friends near the property, urged the board to do more on the front end to help owners repair homes and prevent condemnations: "When we get to this point that we're having to condemn houses, we're already failing," Draper said. Directors discussed options including certifying liens to tax rolls and foreclosure; staff also noted they are producing overlay maps of liened properties to encourage developer interest in infill rehabilitation.
On the roll call the resolution passed with the majority voting yes and one recorded 'No' from Director Phyllis Beard. Staff said demolition and lien procedures will follow legal processes and that liens are expected to be pursued or certified per future policy or board direction.
