Several Rogers structures set for razing, removal

ROGERS -- Six structures are set to be razed from residential areas in 30 days.

The structures are all in disrepair and the city has made multiple attempts to notify owners of their responsibility to make the buildings safe, said Chris Griffin, senior staff attorney for Rogers.

The decision to continue with the condemnation process for the buildings was passed by City Council on Tuesday following several public hearings and a community environment committee meeting addressing concerns of residents representing each of the properties.

None of the buildings are occupied but pose a threat to anyone passing through, according to city officials. Each property owner will have 30-days to bring their buildings up to code before the city takes action by doing a final inspection and then razing the structures.

Among them is a structure at 1403 N. D St. The owner was repeatedly contacted beginning in December, Griffin said, and no alterations to it were made until Tuesday, when plywood was added to the sides of the building.

"We've done inspections, sent letters, posted notices," Griffin said, but they went unanswered. "The house has had issues for years ... it's empty and some things were changed, but it's not up to code."

A family member of the owner was present to receive instruction for the work needed for the place to meet compliance.

"I'm familiar with it and it's been a problem for many years," said Alderman Mark Kruger, who urged the council to pass the ordinance so the owner would "see the time limit and move forward."

An old potato chip factory at 208 W. Sycamore St. has roof and walls caving in. A family member of the property owner contacted the city to say he would tear it down, but failed to do so.

During a public hearing, the new owner of the property updated the council on progress to remove asbestos and promised the remainder of the work would be completed in the 30-day period.

"He worked to remediate issues and I think he'll take care of it before we do," Griffin said.

The building at 819 N. B St. has a rotting porch, doesn't have any utilities or lighting and has undergone no changes since the city notices were placed.

A leaning structure at 821 N. B St. has walls not safe enough to support weight. Griffin said the property had a complicated history because of the original owner leaving it to more than one person.

Two structures at 805 E. Hilltop have a number of problems, including rotting siding, insect and rodent infestation. The current owner lives in Colorado and has been in contact with the city to relay her wish to save a portion of the structure and demolish the remainder.

"Nothing done for a long time," Griffin said. "We want to work with people who want to work with us, but put ordinance in place" just in case.

A white house at 1512 S. Dixieland has been used as storage for some time. Kendall Taylor, the owner of the building, was present for a public hearing on the house and recently received a permit to handle the demolition.

"I let it go, and the property got grown up," Taylor said. "We've cleaned it up substantially ... and plan to remove additions made to the house to strip it back to the (original) 27 by 27 house, that's the plan."

Griffin said the city was willing to work with him on the demolition, but the condemnation going forward was in case those actions weren't taken.

"We had several individuals here tonight, and they've been well informed of time frame" to take care of properties, said Alderman Andrew Hatfield, chairman of community environment committee.

NW News on 07/27/2016

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