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Council condemns house at 114 W. Market, gives owner 60 days to act
Summary
After a public hearing the La Cygne City Council adopted Resolution No. 322, finding 114 W. Market unsafe and unfit for habitation and ordered condemnation with a 60‑day compliance window. The city will solicit demolition bids if the owner does not comply.
The La Cygne City Council held a public hearing and voted to condemn the property at 114 W. Market, citing structural defects, mold and exposed wiring that render the two‑story house unfit for habitation. City Attorney John Sutherland and Police Chief James Dean described dry rot, sagging joists, collapsing porch roofs, holes in exterior walls and faulty plumbing when presenting the city’s finding of facts to the council.
“Foundation shows signs of dry rot” and “electric box has exposed wiring,” Police Chief James Dean told the council when summarizing the inspection and repair estimates, which the city said exceed half the building’s appraised value. Council members voted 4–0 to condemn the property and to give the owner 60 days to submit a repair schedule, make the improvements, or demolish the structure. City Attorney John Sutherland told the council the owner has 30 days to appeal under state procedure.
The motion requires that the city publish and mail notices and that any demolition bids be advertised if the owner does not comply. Council instructed staff to advertise for demolition bids and to keep bidders on file pending the outcome of any appeal. The council’s action formalizes Resolution No. 322 and follows prior inspections and certified mailings to the property owner.
