Hot Springs board condemns long-vacant house at 605 South Street after neighbors' pleas

Mayor Pat McCabe and the Hot Springs Board of Directors voted to adopt Resolution R-26-51, declaring the single-family structure at 605 South Street a public nuisance and ordering condemnation under the city's property maintenance code. Neighborhood Services Manager James Hardidge told the board the parcel has been the subject of multiple code notices since 2016 for damaged windows, a failing roof and a collapsing porch.

The board acted after residents described repeated trespass, theft, safety concerns and fire risk associated with the long-vacant house. "It's an eyesore in our neighborhood," said Helen Parker, a Sixth Street resident, who added that the building "attracts a bad element" and makes nearby residents feel unsafe. Multiple neighbors — including Casey Schultz, Kathy Harrington and Kavika Morelli — said nearby property owners have invested in renovations and asked the board to remove the hazardous structure to protect property values and safety.

Owner Kenneth Walters addressed the board and acknowledged he has neglected the property, saying he "would like the opportunity to repair that house" and does not want it torn down. Staff told the board inspections show structural deterioration and that previous limited repairs were insufficient to stabilize the building.

Director Marshia Dob Smith urged action, citing the property's decade-long decline: "These neighbors don't deserve to have to look at this." After discussion, the board recorded a roll-call vote and adopted the resolution.

What happens next: the action authorizes condemnation procedures; if the owner does not complete substantial remedial work within the time frame required by the city's code, the city will proceed with demolition and abatement under Title 17 of the Hot Springs Code. The board did not specify alternative mitigation beyond the code process during the meeting.

Speakers quoted in this article are members of the board, the neighborhood, or city staff as identified at the meeting.

The board moved on to other agenda items after adopting the resolution.