Council approves resolution ordering repair or demolition for five dilapidated houses

The Hutchinson City Council adopted a resolution April 21 ordering repair or demolition of five residential properties determined by the city’s building official to be unsafe and dangerous: 913 East 5th Avenue, 404 West 5th Avenue, 201 North Waldron Street, 113 West Avenue B and 827 East 1st Avenue.

Jason Ladey, the city’s building official, presented staff’s report and photos showing extensive structural deterioration, board‑ups, evidence of fire damage and repeated property‑maintenance violations dating back several years. Ladey told council the properties represent a blighting influence in their neighborhoods and that notifications and certified mailings had been used to contact owners where possible.

During the public hearing Enrique Luna identified himself as the relative of the owner of one property and said he is pursuing transfer of title, has paid fees for a whole‑home remodel permit that expires in October, and has contractors lined up. "I have the funds and a plan of action moving forward to repair," Luna said; staff and council encouraged him to coordinate with building‑code staff and to provide contact information.

Council then voted to adopt the condemnation resolution and authorized the mayor to sign. The resolution establishes orders for repair or demolition and preserves the city’s ability to work with owners who show progress; Ladey said the city will continue to work with owners who file permits and demonstrate intent to comply. Where owners fail to act, the resolution authorizes the city to pursue demolition and recover costs through liens against properties.

The condemnation action was presented as part of the city’s broader blight‑reduction priorities and supports neighborhood reinvestment goals; council members noted that some properties on earlier condemnation lists remain under the 60‑day owner compliance window.

Next steps: staff will follow the resolution’s process of notices and timelines for repair; if owners fail to comply, the city may proceed with demolition and recover costs through tax liens or insurance proceeds where available.