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Council shortens abatement timeline for two vacant substandard properties to 30 days
Summary
Council amended two abatement orders to require property owners to commence and secure abatement work within 30 days (rather than 90) for vacant homes at 301 South Jefferson and 1604 South Lorraine, citing police calls, code-enforcement history and public-safety concerns.
The Midland City Council amended two abatement orders concerning vacant, long-neglected single-family residences to shorten the timeline for required corrective action. Staff had brought orders for 301 South Jefferson and 1604 South Lorraine, describing both properties as vacant with extended code-enforcement histories and noting police calls related to the structures.
At 301 South Jefferson staff originally proposed a 90-day period for the owner or lienholders to abate the property (repair or demolish). Several council members expressed frustration with the time already spent attempting to reach owners and with public-safety impacts. A city attorney-like staff member explained that allowing an extended period carries additional requirements, including securing the property and a time schedule. Council moved to amend the 90-day timeframe to 30 days for at least one of the orders and the amendment passed unanimously; a later similar amendment for 1604 South Lorraine also passed 7–0.
Staff said its typical practice includes significant outreach before bringing abatement orders to council and emphasized that liens and the city's abatement tools are used carefully. Council asked staff to prioritize vacant properties generating police calls and to make abatement timelines practical but prompt to protect neighborhoods.
