Owner Carrie Bollinger asks for time to market or sell Joplin house facing possible city demolition

At the April 24 meeting of the Joplin Building Board of Appeals, owner Carrie Bollinger asked for more time to market or sell her property at 1334 South Roosevelt rather than have the city order demolition.

"I would like an extension to find out if someone can fix it. I would like to sell it," Bollinger said, adding the house was bought in 1989, is largely paid off and once housed Joplin’s first radio station. She said the structure is a "money pit" and that she would prefer to sell the two lots or, if necessary, hire someone to demolish it herself to avoid a city-ordered demolition.

Board members and staff reviewed the property's status: utilities have been shut off, the house has been posted as a dangerous property (staff referenced an August posting), and staff has photographic evidence of interior debris and exterior damage. Staff reiterated the options available to Bollinger: pursue repairs and remove the property from the board list, market and sell the lots, quitclaim the property to the city (which would relieve the owner of financial responsibility but transfer title), or allow the city to demolish the property and place a tax lien to recover costs.

The board agreed to continue item 31431334 South Roosevelt to the May 22 meeting for a progress report or a demolition hearing, giving Bollinger time to begin marketing or pursue other options. Staff offered to ensure Bollinger receives the proper notices and suggested she could request an officer accompany her on inspections if safety is a concern.

The board recorded the continuation and confirmed the next hearing date and time. Bollinger said she would attempt to begin marketing the property before the May 22 meeting but did not guarantee a sale would close by that date.