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:	September 20, 2010
RE:	1200 Pennsylvania Street, unsafe structure

The referenced property has been inspected and found to be in violation of City Code, specifically the International Property Maintenance Code as adopted by the City. The structures (house and garage) have been in a state of deterioration for many years. The conditions have only worsened over the years due to the lack of necessary repairs and maintenance. In August/September of 2008, the siding was removed from the house which has worsened the condition of the structure. The current condition of the structures is a public nuisance and unsafe condition for adjacent properties and residents.  

The owner of record is:       Brent Morris

                                      209 Taylor St

                                      Raleigh, NC 27607

The property owner applied for a demolition permit on June 1, 2010. Mr. Morris has not followed through on securing this permit and taking action to remove the blighted structures. 

At this time, I am requesting that the City Commission adopt Resolution No. 6907 which will set a public hearing date of November 16, 2010. The purpose of this hearing will be to discuss the condition of the property and the structures and to consider ordering said structures to be repaired or removed within a specified period of time. Should the property owner fail to comply with this order, the City would take steps to remove the unsafe structures.

Attached are a chronology of contact our staff has had with this property and the property owner and pictures of the subject structures.  Please let me know if you have questions concerning this.  Thank you.