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 a resolution 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.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1200 Pennsylvania Street, Chronology

 

Jul 1 2008        Inspected property in response to a complaint received. The property is in a general state of dilapidation (house and garage). Both structures are run-down.

Issued a Notice of Violation.

Aug 4 2008     The property owner of record has passed. The property owner’s son, Brent Morris, contacted me and advised that he will be taking care of the property once the property goes through the probate process. Brent lives in North Carolina.

Sep 8 2008      Inspected, the siding of the house has been removed. The windows are boarded up with ‘no trespassing’ signs posted on the structure.

Apr 14 2009    Called Brent Morris. He advised they are close to being done with the legal process. He said he has someone lined up to mow the property and once he has legal possession he intends to demo the house.

Jun 16 2009     District Court entitled estate to Brent Morris.

Jul 8 2009        Inspected, the house remains secure and the yard is being maintained. The County records indicate that Brent is now the property owner. Left a phone message for Brent.

Aug 2009-current   Continued to attempt phone contact with no response. The property remains         secure and the yard is maintained.

Apr 14 2010    Inspected and took pictures.

May 19 2010   Staff e-mailed Mr. Morris for a status update.

Jun 1 2010       Brent Morris has submitted a demolition permit application.

Jun 24 2010     Staff e-mailed Mr. Morris regarding the demo permit status.

Jul 20 2010      Staff e-mailed Mr. Morris for a status update, no reply.

Aug 17 2010   Inspected and took pictures.  Property is overgrown, issued Notice.

Aug 31 2010   Property remains overgrown, contracted the yard to be mowed.

Sept 20 2010   Inspected, no change.

Forwarded a request to the City Commission to set a public hearing date of November 16, 2010. This hearing will be to discuss the condition of the property and consider ordering it to be repaired or removed within a specified period of time.