Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Brian Jimenez, Code Enforcement Manager
CC:	Scott McCullough, Director Planning & Development Services
Date:	November 2, 2010
RE:	1200 Pennsylvania Street

This memorandum is a follow up to the memorandum and pictures that Julie Wyatt, Code Enforcement Officer, submitted for the September 28, 2010 City Commission meeting.  On that date, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 6907, which set the public hearing date of November 16, 2010 to discuss the dilapidated conditions of the principal building (house) and the accessory structure (garage) located on the property. 

On October 29, 2010, staff contacted Brent Morris, the owner of the property, by phone to ascertain if he had new information for staff to consider regarding his previous plan to demolish the structures. Mr. Morris informed staff that he would have already demolished the structures but difficult financial times has prevented him from following through on the demolition permit he submitted to Development Services on June 1, 2010. 

Mr. Morris thanked staff for showing patience by allowing him to pursue the demolition, however; he recognizes the time has come for the City to initiate the removal of the structures as he is unable to move forward with the demolition for an undetermined amount of time.  Mr. Morris resides in Raleigh, North Carolina and does not anticipate returning to Lawrence anytime soon to address the property conditions. 

On November 1, 2010, staff revisited the property and confirmed that the structures remain in the same severe state of deterioration that has created the unsafe conditions.

Action Requested

Adopt Resolution No. 6911 declaring the structures to be unsafe or dangerous and ordering the repair or removal of such structures.  If building permits are not obtained or the structures are not removed by the owner by December 3, 2010; the City will complete the demolition of the structures.