WM council passes resolution to tear down eleven houses

Property owners given 30 days to appeal

By DONALD WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

The West Memphis City Council has taken action against a group of properties deemed to be nuisances in the city. Last week, the council passed a resolution to condemn and tear down 11 houses that have been causing problems for residents.

According to city of_cials, these properties have been the source of numerous complaints from neighbors, ranging from overgrown yards and unkempt exteriors to suspected criminal activity and safety hazards. The decision to demolish the houses comes after years of neglect and repeated violations of city code.

Mayor Marco McClendon stated last year on the matter, “It is unfortunate that we have reached this point, but these properties have become a blight on our community and a danger to those living nearby. We have tried working with the owners to bring the houses up to code, but they have consistently failed to make the necessary improvements.”

The resolution gives the owners of the condemned properties 30 days to appeal the decision or make plans to bring the houses into

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compliance with city regulations. If no action is taken, the city will proceed with demolishing the structures.

Residents in the affected neighborhoods have expressed relief at the council’s decision, hoping that the removal of the nuisance properties will improve the overall quality of life in the area. Some have even suggested that the vacant lots left behind could be repurposed for community gardens or other beneficial uses.

The city council has assured residents that efforts will be made to ensure that the demolition process is carried out in a safe and efficient manner. In the meantime, city officials are urging residents to report any other properties that may be in violation of city code to prevent further nuisances from arising.

In the resolution the city cited the following ordinances:

Sec. 26-74. – Nuisance

It is unlawful for any person, partnership, corporation or association, to own, keep or maintain any house, building and/or structure within the corporate city limits which constitutes a nuisance and which is found and declared to be a nuisance by resolution of the city council.

Sec. 26-78. – Abatement

If the house, building and/ or structure constituting a nuisance has not been torn down and removed, or said nuisance otherwise abated within 30 days after posting the true copy of the resolution at a conspicuous place on said house, building and/or structure constituting the nuisance, said house, building and/or structure will be torn down and/or removed by the building inspector or his duly designated representative.

The houses schedule for demolition are as follows:

■ ■ 219 S 11th, Lot 28-29 Blk 105

■ ■ 231 S 11th, Lot 34 Blk

105

■ ■ 212 S 10th, Lot 7-8 Blk 105

■ ■ 1707 Goodwin, Lot 1 Blk 15

■ ■ 333 S 18th, Lot 35-36 Blk 147

■ ■ 215 W Bond, Lot Pt of 3 Blk 17

■ ■ 633 S 12th, Lot 35-36 Blk 90

■ ■ 3404 Church, Lot 7 Blk 1

■ ■ 2804 S Grove, Lot 45 & Pt of 46 Blk 4

■ ■ 306 Westree, Lot 1 Blk 2

■ ■ 308 Westree, Lot 2 Blk 2