Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Neighborhood Resources Department

 

TO:

Dave Corliss, Interim City Manager    

 

THRU:

Victor Torres, Director of Neighborhood Resources Department

 

FROM:

Julie Wyatt, Environmental Inspector

 

Date:

March 21, 2006

 

RE:

429 Indiana Street, unsafe structure

 

 

The City Commission conducted a public hearing on December 20, 2005, regarding the structure at 429 Indiana Street.  The City Commission adopted Resolution No. 6623 on January 3, 2006, ordering the structure at 429 Indiana Street to either be repaired or removed prior to March 21st.  At the time of the hearing, the property owners of record were ROLAND R MUMFORD and MADELINE MUMFORD, who are deceased. 

 

As the attached chronology indicates, William Mumford was granted sole ownership of the property on January 10, 2006, by Douglas County District Judge Murphy.  Mr. Mumford submitted a demolition permit application on January 20, 2006.

 

As the property is within the environs of two historical districts (Pinckney I Historic District, Pinckney II Historic District), the Historic Resources Commission (HRC) must review and approve any major improvements/changes to the structure prior to a permit (demolition or construction) being issued. The item was on the HRC agenda of February 23, 2006. The owner failed to appear for this meeting, therefore the HRC tabled the item to their March 16, 2006, meeting.  The owners appeared at the March 16, 2006, meeting to request approval of the demolition. HRC denied this request.

 

At this time staff is requesting direction from the City Commission. In accordance with Resolution No. 6623, should the property owner fail to repair or remove the structure by March 21, 2006, the City shall cause the structure to be razed and removed. In this case, the property owner is willing to remove the structure but was denied this opportunity by the HRC. Removal of the structure by the City or the owner will require that the City Commission approve this demolition request, contrary to the HRC’s findings.

 

Attached are documents related to this property, including a chronology of my contact with this property and pictures.  Should you have questions concerning this, please let me know.  Thank you.