Neighbors press Fort Thomas to act on stalled 120 Brentwood renovation, citing safety hazards

Jim McCord, who lives nearby at 121 Grandwood, told the council the unfinished work at 120 Brentwood has dragged on for roughly "two and a half years" and described exposed foundations, broken windows and debris that he says endanger children and depress nearby property values. "Two and a half years is too long," Jim McCord said during public comment.

City code-enforcement staff described the municipality's current approach: issuing citations, building fines and pursuing foreclosure review after fines reach a municipal threshold (staff said they generally begin foreclosure review after about $3,000 of unpaid fines). Staff also explained the legal and procedural constraints that make immediate entry onto private property difficult and said they will prepare a formal internal procedure before requesting council approval for policy changes.

Neighbors who live across from the property and along Redwood and Brentwood described repeated, visible deterioration — an open foundation, broken glass, exposed wiring and piles of construction debris — and said the condition has persisted despite citations. "It's not structurally sound at this point," one neighbor said, asking the city to inspect the permits and pursue remedies if the owner will not act.

Councilors and staff discussed practical options: more frequent citations, amending fine schedules, creating a notification system to ensure municipal liens are paid before third-party mortgage claims, and, where legal criteria exist, pursuing condemnation or foreclosure. Staff said the city will attempt to contact the property owner, review permit records, and report back with recommended next steps. Council asked staff to draft a clear procedure and, if necessary, propose ordinance language for future consideration.

The council did not adopt a formal ordinance change on the spot. Staff committed to a follow-up and to meeting with residents and the property owner where possible.