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Council authorizes nuisance abatement process after homeowner lawsuit dismissed
Summary
After a protracted code-enforcement process and dismissal of a homeowner lawsuit, Safety Director Dan Chafin asked Council to authorize demolition and remediation at 179 Grandview under local ordinance 156.11; the City will bill demolition costs to the owner and may place a lien if unpaid.
Safety Director Dan Chafin reviewed a multi-year code-enforcement history for 179 Grandview and asked Council to authorize abatement and demolition under Wadsworth Local Ordinance 156.11 (Ordinance 26-027). Chafin summarized prior actions: a fire in November 2022 damaged neighboring property; utilities were disconnected in 2023; an August 2025 exterior inspection triggered violation notices; an administrative interior search in September 2025 uncovered health-and-safety issues leading to condemnation; the homeowner appealed and later filed suit, which paused the abatement process. The suit was dismissed on Jan. 6, 2026, and Chafin recommended moving forward with demolition to remove the public nuisance.
Chafin emphasized the City’s approach had included multiple chances for the homeowner to be heard (Appeals Board, public hearing) and said demolition costs will be billed to the owner and can be levied as a lien against the property if unpaid. Council agreed to suspend and call the ordinance so remediation can proceed; members asked clarifying questions about ongoing maintenance responsibility for the lot after demolition and payment timelines.
