Residents press city over long-running blight case; staff say condemnations moving toward demolition but problems persist

Residents urged the council to act on longstanding code-enforcement problems at multiple properties, saying junk accumulation, oil contamination and an apparent unauthorized business remain unaddressed despite months of complaints and court filings.

“Final notice have been sent. Bids are in place, and the structures are now at the demolition phase,” said Teresa Rishard, a neighborhood resident. “However, still no demolitions have taken place. Hopefully next month, I'll be able to finally tell you that your condemned structure has been removed after almost 3 years into this administration.”

Rishard said a specific neighbor’s property on F.L. Johnson Avenue has repeated violations: junk accumulation, oil on the right-of-way, vehicles and a reported unauthorized vehicle‑service operation that neighbors say has persisted for years. She said the city delayed action and that the property “remains completely unchanged.”

City staff responded that condemnation notices have been filed, that two properties are scheduled for demolition between May 15 and May 23, and that code enforcement has issued citations. A staff member who visited the complainant said she had met the neighbor and photographed violations and that the city has sent violation letters; she said property owners who park on private land may have vehicles towed by the property owner.

Nut graf: The meeting highlighted a recurring enforcement gap between issuing condemnation notices and executing demolitions or abatement, with residents demanding quicker, more consistent follow-through and staff promising additional enforcement actions and court presentations.

Next steps: Staff said they will continue citations, pursue scheduled demolitions, and present additional information to the council; they also said a public-facing permitting and enforcement tracking tool could be enabled to improve transparency. Residents asked for rental registration and stronger code enforcement tools to address repeat offenders.