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Council updates code-enforcement contract and readies condemnation hearings for blighted properties
Summary
Kinston awarded portions of an expanded code enforcement abatement contract to local firms and reported progress on a cleanup initiative affecting about 44 properties, with 14 scheduled for condemnation hearings; staff emphasized owner-first compliance and noted heir-property legal complexities.
Planning Director Elizabeth Blount said the city broadened its abatement contract to include mowing, public nuisance abatement, graffiti removal, boarding and painting of vacant structures, and emergency response. Two local companies were awarded contracts: Charles Hughes (grass cutting and nuisance abatement) and Envision Professionals (boarding and painting). Director Blount emphasized the city’s preferred owner-first approach and confirmed commercial and residential properties would be held to the same enforcement standard.
Blount also updated progress on a blighted-property cleanup initiative: of roughly 44 properties identified, notices were mailed or posted to 21 owners, six owners had engaged staff, and 14 properties were scheduled for condemnation hearings on July 22. City Attorney James Cauley explained that heir-property cases are more legally complex but that the city must make reasonable efforts to notify all owners, including publication when necessary. Staff said the back portion of the Kinston Mall is on the enforcement list and subject to the same process as residential properties.
