City resuming condemnation process for hazardous structures

City officials have resumed efforts to remove houses or other structures that present a danger to the neighborhood.

Houses that are not structurally sound, would be too expensive to repair or don’t meet basic standards for human habitation may be condemned by the city.

But before a structure is demolished, it goes through a public hearing process and city officials typically give property owners an opportunity to bring the building up to standards if possible and practical.

Demolitions were unofficially halted during the main part of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This house at 530 Church Street was condemned more than a year ago and the city is tearing it down because the property owner did not do it. Costs for demolition are added to tax on the property.

If anyone has concerns about the safety of a structure in their neighborhood, he or she can call the building inspector at City Hall.