Homewood council declares 201 Dale Avenue a public nuisance after neighbors cite safety risks

Neighbors urged the Homewood City Council to force cleanup at a pair of adjoining problem lots and the council voted unanimously Tuesday to declare the smaller parcel at 201 Dale Avenue a public nuisance.

At a public hearing opened by Mayor Jennifer Andress, Code Enforcement (Mr. Cook) told the council the city has been unable to reach the owner after certified and first‑class mailings, and staff documented a large dead tree and overgrown vegetation that pose a sight‑distance and fall hazard near a neighborhood street and alley. “If it were to fall, it would be getting into the street,” Mr. Cook said during his summary of findings.

Several neighbors described long experience with the properties and a pattern of neglect. “Please love us back,” said longtime neighbor Betsy Saab of 315 Dale Avenue, urging the council to address the “eyesore” at the entrance to their neighborhood. Jason Lee, who read a letter from a nearby resident, described sharp debris, exposed nails and repeated nuisance conditions that have persisted through ownership changes.

Council members asked staff clarifying questions about buildability and enforcement options. Mr. Cook said the city condemned and removed a house on adjacent 203 Dale and that the builder mowing 203 had made some progress, but that cutting the large dead tree at 201 may require a contractor if work approaches power lines; other cleanup could be handled by public works. Council discussion noted the parcel is a narrow sliver, likely not buildable, and that the city can place a lien on the property to recover costs.

Councilor Sims moved to declare 201 Dale Avenue a public nuisance; Councilor Simmons seconded, and Mayor Andress announced the motion passed 5–0, making the finding official as Resolution 26‑37. The council’s action authorizes the city to begin the enforcement process laid out by staff and to pursue abatement and cost recovery procedures.

What happens next: staff said they will continue coordinating with public works and, if necessary, hire contractors for tree removal that could affect power lines. Council members also asked staff to follow up directly with nearby residents about fence and property‑line questions raised during comment.

The council made the declaration near the end of the public hearing portion of the April 27 meeting and did not record contested votes; the resolution number was read into the record at the meeting’s close.