Magistrate defers fines on damaged historic home, sets May status hearing after agent outlines buyers

Code enforcement presented evidence that a porch and other elements of the house at 1404 Passagro Way are substantially damaged and estimated the structure as 100% substantially damaged. The city recommended fines and described a public-safety concern about an unblocked collapsed porch.

Melinda Pletcher, the real estate agent and power of attorney for Robert Putnam II, said she and a team cleaned the yard, are marketing the home and have three prospective buyers — one of whom would pursue a variance and restoration through the historic board. She noted the owners are elderly and displaced and have been living in short-term rentals during the process.

City staff repeatedly emphasized safety risks and asked that access be restricted to avoid accidents. Pletcher agreed to have "no unauthorized entry" signs posted and to coordinate with code enforcement.

Magistrate Erica Augello found the property in violation of the cited maintenance and safety code sections but declined to impose fines or liens at this time. She set a status hearing for May 11, directed the parties to demonstrate good-faith progress (including any buyer contracts or steps toward historic-board review), and said the magistrate would consider more stringent measures if no movement occurs by the status hearing.