Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning and Development Services Department

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
THRU:	Scott McCullough, Planning and Development Services Director
FROM:	Julie Wyatt, Code Enforcement Officer
Date:	December 1, 2009
RE:	2137 Tennessee Street, unsafe structure

The City Commission adopted Resolution No. 6866 on October 20, 2009, setting a public hearing date of December 8, 2009, for the discussion of the dilapidated house at 2137 Tennessee Street.  The house was significantly damaged by a fire on August 8, 2009. The dilapidated condition of this structure is a safety concern and poses a nuisance and unsafe condition for adjacent properties and residents.  

The owner of record is:       Christopher Miller

                                      PO Box 1265 

                                       Lawrence, KS 66044-8265

Due to the condition of this structure and the attractive nuisance this structure creates, it is staff’s recommendation that a resolution be adopted ordering the property owner to repair or remove the structure within 30 days.  Should the owner fail to accomplish this, the city would have the authority to take necessary actions to remove the unsafe condition, by removing the  unsafe structure. 

Below is the chronology of staff’s actions to date. 

September 28       Finance Department receives check from Cincinnati Insurance Company in the amount of $15,750.

October 8            Staff visited the property and determined the house fit the criteria to be

                             declared as unsafe and dangerous.

October 13           Staff briefly spoke to Chris Miller and was informed he was unsure of what his plans were for the property.

October 20           Resolution No. 6866 was adopted by the City Commission setting a public

hearing date of December 8^th.

October 26          Staff spoke to Charles Whitaker and was informed he was interested in purchasing the property and would most likely demolish the structure and rebuild a new house. 

November 5         Contractor Health Seitz contacted staff regarding his interest in purchasing the property.  He also informed staff that if he purchased the property he would demolish and construct a new house.

Staff has had no further contact with Mr. Miller or any other potential buyers of the property.  The structure remains in an unsafe condition.  Attached are pictures taken on December 1^st.   Please let me know if you have questions concerning this.  Thank you.