City Council approves $53K contract for demolition at 14525 Lakeshore Drive

During the City Council Meeting on April 7, 2022, the Clearlake City Council discussed a significant contract for the demolition of a vacant commercial property located at 14525 Lakeshore Drive. The proposed contract, amounting to $53,439 with Chernow Excavating Incorporated, aims to address ongoing compliance issues with the property, which has remained unmaintained since the city first sought action in July 2021.

City staff presented the case, highlighting that the property owner had failed to submit necessary engineered plans or obtain building permits, despite being granted additional time to comply with city regulations. The property has since been registered as a vacant commercial building, and the city has issued various notices and legal documents to the owner, indicating a lack of progress.

The council's recommendation to authorize the city manager to execute the demolition contract is seen as a necessary step to ensure compliance and safety in the community. The discussion also included provisions for potential asbestos remediation, should testing reveal hazardous materials that require specific handling.

Importantly, the property owner has submitted an appeal regarding the order to abate the property. The council clarified that while they are moving forward with the demolition contract, the city manager will not issue a notice to proceed until the appeal process is resolved, ensuring that the owner's rights are respected.

Public comments were invited, but no attendees raised hands to speak, although an email from a resident was submitted for consideration. The council emphasized the need for decisive action, noting that previous experiences with the property owner indicated that progress only occurs under significant pressure from the city.

This meeting underscores the city's commitment to maintaining community standards and addressing properties that pose safety concerns, reflecting broader issues of property management and urban development in Clearlake. As the council moves forward, the outcome of the appeal will be closely monitored, as it may influence future actions regarding the property and similar cases in the area.