HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 Demolition Board Minutes �r15IN
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
" NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
316 N.Capitol Avenue,Suite C-2 • Lansing Ml 48933-1238;(517)483-4361 •FAX: (517)377-0169
Bob Johnson,Director
CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICE
Virg Bernero, Mayor
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF LANSING
DEMOLITION BOARD
Held at 316 N. Capitol Ave. at 6:00 pm,
December 4, 2008
The December 2008 meeting of the City of Lansing Demolition Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by L. Walker. The
following members were in attendance: David Muylle
MEMBERS ABSENT: M. Hiaeshutter
STAFF PRESENT: C. Segerlind; L. Walker
PUBLIC PRESENT: None
L. Walker stated that Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter requested an excused absence for this evening due to
conflicts in his work schedule. Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle moved to approve the excused absence.
L. Walker asked for approval of the 9/25/08 meeting minutes. Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle moved to
approve minutes as written.
NEW BUSINESS:
Case No.: 2008-037 Address: 612 N.Larch St.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested party is GLS Leasing Co. Inc.. The SEV of the
property is $75,000. Land value is $39,700. Building value is $35,300. The property is zoned"H"Light Industrial. This is a
commercial warehouse that has been vacant for more than 15 years. Homeless people have been living in the warehouse
causing severe health and safety issues due to the human waste and fire. This property has been placed in the Make Safe or
Demolish process based on it being vacant more than 180 days. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled.
The owner has received the meeting notification. However, there has been no contact with the owner. Based on this
information,staff recommends that this property be made safe or demolished in 30 days.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by January 4,2009.
OTHER BUSINESS:
A. 2008-036—3401 Churchill—Emergency Demolition of garage onlv—L. Walker informed Demolition Board of the
emergency demolition. Demolition Board Hearing Officers reviewed the pictures.
B. 2008-038 — 805 E. St Joseph St — Emergeney Demolition — L. Walker informed Demolition Board of the
emergency demolition. Demolition Board Hearing Officers reviewed the pictures.
C. 2009 Demolition Board Meeting Schedule—L. Walker reviewed the 2009 Meeting Schedule with Demolition Board
Hearing Officer D. Muylle. Schedule was approved.
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES December 4 2008 PAGE 2
D. Status of Additional Board Member — Demolition Board Hearing Officer D. Muylle inquired on the status of the
search for an additional board member. L. Walker stated that a name was sent up to Joe McDonald in July 2008 and
we have not heard back yet. C. Segerlind will contact him and see where it stands.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
ADJOURNMENT: At 6:15 pm,L.Walker adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Walker Draft date: December 4,2008
Acting Secretary Approved date: February 26, 2009
Sent to Clerk's Office: March 24,2009
cc: Mayor's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Council Office
File
r1 S I N
G DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
316 N.Capitol Avenue,Suite C-2 • Lansing MI 48933-1238;(517)483-4361 •FAX (517)377-0169
Bob Johnson,Director
tcHt � �
CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICE
Virg Bernero,Mayor
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF LANSING
DEMOLITION BOARD
Held at 316 N. Capitol Ave. at 6:00 pm,
September 25, 2008
ery
~ 1
L1 _
The September 2008 meeting of the City of Lansing Demolition Board was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by J. McCue.'._The
following members were in attendance: David Muylle;Mark Hiaeshutter
-3 _1
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
�.J
STAFF PRESENT: J.McCue; C. Segerlind;L.Walker
PUBLIC PRESENT: None
J. McCue asked for approval of the 8/28/08 meeting minutes. Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle moved to approve
minutes as written.
OLD BUSINESS:
Case No.: 2008-025 Address: 1523 Knollwood Ave.
J. McCue updated the board on this case. It was last tabled on 8/28/08 in order for the Demolition Board to receive a letter
from the owner with a notarized signature stating that Ms. Tamara Farrell is representing the property on behalf of the owner.
As of today,the Code Compliance Office has not received any notification of representation from the owner. Also,none of the
required permits have been pulled. Based on this information, staff recommends that this property be made safe or demolished
in 30 days.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by October 23,2008.
Case No.: 2008-026 Address: 3134 Creston Ave.
J. McCue updated the board on this case. It was last tabled on 8/28/08 in order for the Demolition Board to receive a letter
from the owner with a notarized signature stating that Ms. Teresa Schmidt is representing the property on behalf of the owner.
The Code Compliance Office received notification of representation from the owner on 9/10/08. The letter stated that Randy
Robbins would be representing the owner on this case. None of the required permits have been pulled. Based on this
information,staff recommends that this property be made safe or demolished in 30 days.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by October 23,2008.
Demolitions Hearins Officer Mark Hiaeshutter arrived at 6:15 pm.
NEW BUSINESS:
Case No.: 2008-034 Address: 1424 Pontiac St.
J. McCue presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested party is Rochelle Wingate. The SEV of the property
is $15,500. Land value is $1,900. Building value is $13,600. Original red tag date is 5/31/07. The property is zoned "C"
Residential. Estimate of repairs is$125,546. As of today,none of the required pernuts have been pulled. There has been no
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES September 25 2008 PAGE 2
contact with the owner. The meeting notification letter was returned unclaimed. Based on this information, staff recommends
that this property be made safe or demolished in 30 days.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by October 23,2008.
OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Emergency Demolition of 5207 Balzer St. (2008-035) — J. McCue informed Demolition Board of the emergency
demolition. Demolition Board Hearing Officers reviewed the pictures.
B. Code Compliance Manager Position eliminated—J. McCue explained that the Code Compliance Division is being
reorganized. The Code Compliance Manager position has been eliminated. Christine Segerlind, Building Official,
will be in charge of Code Compliance and Building Safety and will begin attending the Demolition Board meetings. J.
McCue will be working in the Public Service Department for the City of Lansing.
C. Administrative Fees—Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter asked about the structure of the Administrative
Fee for demolitions. J. McCue stated that, starting FY 09,the administrative fee was doubled to $4,000 and will now
be split as follows: 1/2 ($2,000)will be charged to the owner when a case leaves the Demolition Board level;the 2°d %z
($2,000)will be charged to the owner if the City of Lansing demolishes the structure.
D. Information Form Letter to be sent out w/meeting notification letter—Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle
suggested that we create and send out an informational sheet with the meeting notification letters that explains what the
Demolition Board expects to see and have provided to them when the owner comes to a meeting. This included items
such as: timeline, written plan, list of contractors pulling permits, floodplain issues, and $2,000 charge. L. Walker
will put this together and have it for review at the next Demolition Board meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
ADJOURNMENT: At 6:45 pm,J.McCue adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Segerlind �aS Draft date: September 25,2008
Building Official Approved date: December 4,2008
Sent to Clerk's Office: December 5,2008
cc: Mayor's Office
;City Clerk's Office
City Council Office
File
G D. ?ARTMENT OF PL' ,-%NNING AND
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
316 N. Capitol Avenue, Suite C-2 • Lansing MI 48933-1238
C� (517)483-4361 •FAX: (517)377-0169
t H I G CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICE
Virg Bernero, Mayor
September 30, 2008
BOARD MEETING
FOR 10/23/08 HAS
BEEN
DEMOLITION
N:\Demolitions\Demo Board Forms&Letters\cancellation notice.doc
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SIN
c DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
316 N.Capitol Avenue,Suite C-2 • Lansing MI 48933-1238;(517)483-4361 •FAX: (517)377=01'69
I 4, Bob Johnson,Director
CHI
CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICE
Virg Bernero, Mayor '_-L
.. '
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF LANSING ' r r,
DEMOLITION BOARD
Held at 316 N. Capitol Ave. at 6:00 pm,
August 28, 2008
The August 2008 meeting of the City of Lansing Demolition Board was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by L. Walker. The
following members were in attendance: David Muylle;Mark Hiaeshutter
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: S. Sanford;L. Walker
PUBLIC PRESENT: Derek Walters; Jo Viselli;Don Maluchnik;Erich Speckin;Teresa Schmidt;Tamara Farrell;
Tent'Shellhorn; Grady Morgan
L. Walker explained that Mr. Jim McCue was unable to be at the meeting this evening due to a prior engagement. Thus, she
was filling in for him.
L. Walker did roll call. M. Hiaeshutter arrived about 10 minutes after meeting started. All board members were present.
L. Walker asked for approval of the 7/24/08 meeting minutes. Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle moved to
approve minutes as written.
NEW BUSINESS:
Case No.: 2008-025 Address: 1523 Knollwood Ave.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested parties are William&Hasna Gempel. The SEV of
the property is $31,000. Land value is $5,000. Building value is $26,000. Original red tag date is 2/6/04. The property is
zoned `B" Residential. Estimate of repairs is $54,784. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled. The
meeting notification sent to the owner was returned unclaimed. There has been no action on the property, nor has there been
any communication with the owner. Based on this information, staff recommends that this property be made safe or demolished
in 30 days.
Tamara Farrell, addressed the Board, stating that she was representing the owner. L. Walker informed her that she needed to
present a letter from the owner stating that she was representing the owner on this particular property and that the letter had to
be signed by the owner and notarized. She stated that she will get that information as well as an updated address for the owners
for our office by the next meeting.
L. Walker stated that she would be willing to change the staff recommendation to table the case for 30 days pending receipt of
this document.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be tabled to September 25, 2008 with the condition
that this document be submitted before the next meeting stating that Ms. Farrell is the owner's representative for this
property.
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES August 28 2008 PAGE 2
Case No.: 2008-024 Address: 529 Ash St.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested parties are Walter & Clara Hicks. The SEV of the
property is $30,200. Land value is $3,200. Building value is$27,000. Original red tag date is 4/25/05. The property is zoned
"C" Residential. Estimate of repairs is $93,992. As of today, none of the required perTnits have been pulled. The meeting
notification sent to the owner was returned unclaimed. Per the Housing Code Correction Notice and the update that was done
in April 2008, all of the copper piping has been removed from the structure. The roof and foundation have deteriorated to the
point of allowing elements into the structure causing further damage. There has been no action on the property, nor has there
been any communication with the owner. Based on this information, staff recommends that this property be made safe or
demolished in 30 days.
Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter ordered the property be made safe or demolished by September 25,
2008.
Case No.: 2008-026 Address: 3134 Creston Ave.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested party is Leslie Pumfrey. The SEV of the property is
$17,500. Land value is $6,400. Building value is $11,100. Original red tag date is 7/31/03. The property is zoned "A"
Residential. Estimate of repairs is $30,000. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled. The meeting
notification sent to the owner was returned unclaimed. There has been no action on the property, nor has there been any
communication with the owner. Based on this information, staff recommends that this property be made safe or demolished in
30 days.
Teresa Schmidt, addressed the Board, stating that she was representing the owner. L. Walker informed her that she needed to
present a letter from the owner stating that she was representing the owner on this particular property and that the letter had to
be signed by the owner and notarized. She stated that she will get that information as well as an updated address for the owners
for our office by the next meeting.
L. Walker stated that she would be willing to change the staff recommendation to table the case for 30 days pending receipt of
this document.
Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter ordered the property be tabled to September 25, 2008 with the
condition that this document be submitted before the next meeting stating that Ms. Schmidt is the owner's
representative for this property.
Case No.: 2008-027 Address: 1531 Donora St.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested party is Lawrence Anderson. The SEV of the
property is $27,500. Land value is$1,900. Building value is$25,600. Original red tag date is 7/19/07. The property is zoned
"B" Residential. Estimate of repairs is $80,564. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled. The owner did
receive the meeting notification letter. According to an email that CCO Whitford received from the owner's agent on 8/18/08,
the owner is in the process of obtaining demolition bids. There has been no action on the property. Based on this information,
staff recommends that this property be made safe or demolished in 30 days.
Derek Walters, an attorney for Foster, Swift, addressed the Board. He stated that Lawrence Anderson has been deceased since
2006. The property is currently in litigation and they represent the beneficiaries of his trust. Once all of this gets settled, the
property will most likely be demolished.
L. Walker provided Mr.Walters with a listing of licensed demolition contractors for the City of Lansing.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by September 25,2008.
Case No.: 2008-028 Address: 3520 Simken Dr.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested parties include Robert Haney and Bayview Loan
Servicing LLC. The SEV of the property is $89,600. Land value is$12,000. Building value is $77,600. Original red tag date
is 9/25/06. The property is zoned"CUP" Community Unit Plan. Estimate of repairs is $468,442. This is a 12-unit apartment
building that is in severe shape and has continued to deteriorate since it was tagged on 9/25/06. There is a large amount of trash
&debris inside the building. As of today,none of the required permits have been pulled. The owner did receive the meeting
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES Aueust 28,2008 PAGE 3
notification letter. According to the title work,the previous owner,Albert Koesterer,quit claimed the property to Robert Haney
and to Bayview Loan Servicing LLC on the same day. These were two different recorded documents with Ingham County.
According to CCO Whitford, he stated that he had a conversation recently with a representative from Bayview Loan Servicing
LLC and they are trying to clear up the title/ownership issues. As of this date, we have not heard any new information
regarding this. When the most recent inspection was done on 8/1/08, it had to go through the search warrant process. There
has been no action on the property. As a reminder to the Board, the other apartment building (3500 Simken) had to be
demolished on an emergency basis due to the severity of its condition. Based on this information, staff recorriniends that this
property be made safe or demolished in 30 days. �'' cn.
r r ..:�
Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter ordered the property be made safe or demolished by,SeptenmberM,
2008. �?
Case No.: 2008-029 Address: 3530 Simken Dr.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested parties include Robert Haney and Ba view'-ban
Servicing LLC. The SEV of the property is$86,500. Land value is$12,000. Building value is $74,500. OriginaKrad tag date
is 9/25/06. The property is zoned"CUP" Community Unit Plan. Estimate of repairs is $578,860. This is a-12-uif apartment
building that is in severe shape and has continued to deteriorate since it was tagged on 9/25/06. There is a large amount of trash
& debris inside the building. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled. The owner did receive the meeting
notification letter. According to the title work,the previous owner,Albert Koesterer,quit claimed the property to Robert Haney
and to Bayview Loan Servicing LLC on the same day. These were two different recorded documents with Ingham County.
According to CCO Whitford, he stated that he had a conversation recently with a representative from Bayview Loan Servicing
LLC and they are trying to clear up the title/ownership issues. As of this date, we have not heard any new information
regarding this. When the most recent inspection was done on 8/l/08, it had to go through the search warrant process. There
has been no action on the property. As a reminder to the Board, the other apartment building (3500 Simken) had to be
demolished on an emergency basis due to the severity of its condition. Based on this information, staff recommends that this
property be made safe or demolished in 30 days.
Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter ordered the property be made safe or demolished by September 25,
2008.
Case No.: 2008-030 Address: 5735 Orchard Ct.
L. Walker presented the case, The listed taxpayer of record and interested parties include EJS Properties and Bayview Loan
Servicing LLC. The SEV of the property is$87,700. Land value is$12,000. Building value is$75,700. Original red tag date
is 9/25/06. The property is zoned"DM-3"Residential. Estimate of repairs is $507,200. This is a 12-unit apartment building
that is in severe shape and has continued to deteriorate since it was tagged on 9/25/06. There is a large amount of trash &
debris inside the building. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled. The owner did receive the meeting
notification letter. According to the title work, the previous owner, Albert Koesterer, quit claimed the property to EJS
Properties and to Bayview Loan Servicing LLC on the same day. These were two different recorded documents with Ingham
County. According to CCO Whitford, he stated that he had a conversation recently with a representative from Bayview Loan
Servicing LLC and they are trying to clear up the title/ownership issues. As of this date, we have not heard any new
information regarding this. When the most recent inspection was done on 8/l/08, it had to go through the search warrant
process. There has been no action on the property. Based on this information, staff recommends that this property be made
safe or demolished in 30 days.
Erich Speckin, EJS Properties, addressed the Board. He stated that he holds the 2nd mortgage on all three of the Orchard Ct.
properties (5735, 5745 & 5755) and he was not aware that Mr. Koesterer had Quit Claimed the property to both EJS and
Bayview on the same day. He has made numerous attempts to contact Bayview Loan Servicing with no response. They even
sent a FedEx package to them with no response. EJS would like to buy out the I"mortgage on all three properties, but they
can't until they can speak with someone at Bayview Loan Servicing.
Teny Shellhorn, agent for EJS, addressed the Board. He said he was able to speak with a Bayview representative in Miami,but
was only told that they have title issues on the property.
Don Maluchnik, Neighborhood Watch Coordinator for the area, addressed the Board. He stated that all of the Orchard Ct.
properties(5735, 5745 and 5755)have been problem properties(i.e.juveniles,vehicles being parked behind the buildings,
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES August 28,2008 PAGE 4
dumping garbage). He has contacted LPD about ticketing the vehicles. However, LPD informed him that the owner has to
request that be done and no one can contact the owner.
Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter ordered the property be made safe or demolished by September 25,
2008.
Case No.: 2008-031 Address: 5745 Orchard Ct.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested parties include EJS Properties and Bayview Loan
Servicing LLC. The SEV of the property is$36,900. Land value is $8,800. Building value is$28,100. Original red tag date is
9/25/06. The property is zoned"DM-3"Residential. Estimate of repairs is$208,390. This is an 8-unit apartment building with
exterior entrances and has continued to deteriorate since it was tagged on 9/25/06. There is a large amount of trash & debris
inside the building. As of today,none of the required permits have been pulled. The owner did receive the meeting notification
letter. According to the title work, the previous owner, Albert Koesterer, quit claimed the property to EJS Properties and to
Bayview Loan Servicing LLC on the same day. These were two different recorded documents with Ingham County. According
to CCO Whitford, he stated that he had a conversation recently with a representative from Bayview Loan Servicing LLC and
they are hying to clear up the title/ownership issues. As of this date, we have not heard any new information regarding this.
When the most recent inspection was done on 8/l/08, it had to go through the search warrant process. There has been no action
on the property. Based on this information, staff recommends that this property be made safe or demolished in 30 days.
Refer to owner's comments under 5735 Orchard Ct.
Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter ordered the property be made safe or demolished by September 25,
2008.
Case No.: 2008-032 Address: 5755 Orchard Ct.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested parties include EJS Properties and Bayview Loan
Servicing LLC. The SEV of the property is$36,900. Land value is$8,800. Building value is$28,100. Original red tag date is
9/25/06. The property is zoned"DM-3"Residential. Estimate of repairs is$179,136. This is an 8-unit apartment building with
exterior entrances and has continued to deteriorate since it was tagged on 9/25/06. There is a large amount of trash & debris
inside the building. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled. The owner did receive the meeting notification
letter. According to the title work, the previous owner, Albert Koesterer, quit claimed the property to EJS Properties and to
Bayview Loan Servicing LLC on the same day. These were two different recorded documents with Ingham County. According
to CCO Whitford, he stated that he had a conversation recently with a representative from Bayview Loan Servicing LLC and
they are trying to clear up the title/ownership issues. As of this date, we have not heard any new information regarding this.
When the most recent inspection was done on 8/1/08, it had to go through the search warrant process. There has been no action
on the property. Based on this information, staff recommends that this property be made safe or demolished in 30 days.
Refer to owner's comments under 5735 Orchard Ct.
Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter ordered the property be made safe or demolished by September 25,
2008.
Case No.: 2008-033 Address: 1913 N.High St.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested party is Angela Keller. The SEV of the property is
$47,500. Land value is$8,300. Building value is$39,200. Original red tag date is 2/24/04. The property is zoned"C"
Residential. Estimate of repairs is $123,666. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled. The notification
letter sent to the owner came back unclaimed. Property was a 3-unit,but has lost its non-conforming status due to being vacant
for more than one year. It can only be used as a I or 2 unit structure. There has been no action on the property, nor has there
been any communication with the owner. Based on the severe condition of the structure and the fact that it has been vacant and
tagged for such a long period of time, staff reconunends that this property be made safe or demolished in 30 days.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by September 25,2008.
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES August 28 2008 PAGE 5
OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Create form for representing owner — It was discussed among the Demolition Hearing Officers and staff that an
insert or a form needs to be created and inserted with meeting notices. This form needs to be filled out by the owner
and the signature notarized stating who their representative is at any given meeting if the owner cannot attend. L.
Walker will create this form and start utilizing it immediately.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
A. Grady Morgan—He asked the Demolition Board what the process was for becoming a demolition contractor for the
City of Lansing. L. Walker explained the process to him. She informed him that he needs to contact Stephanie
Robinson in Purchasing(gave him her phone number)to get the details of the process.
ADJOURNMENT: At 7:30 pm,L. Walker adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Walker Draft date: August 28, 2008
Acting Secretary Approved date: September 25,2008
Sent to Clerk's Office: September 26,2008
cc: Mayor's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Council Office
File
.� ,.
`i
SI �
G DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
" NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
316 N.Capitol Avenue,Suite C-2 • Lansing MI 48933-1238-(517)483-4361 •FAX:_'_(517J 377-0169
Bob Johnson,Director
ICHI � � ` �r
CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICE
Virg Bernero,Mayor _
L (..:1 i
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF LANSING `.
DEMOLITION BOARD -_-
Held at 316 N. Capitol Ave. at 6:00 pm,
July 24, 2008
The July 2008 meeting of the City of Lansing Demolition Board was called to order at 6:03 p.m. by J. McCue. The following
members were in attendance: David Muylle
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mark Hiaeshutter
STAFF PRESENT: J. McCue;L.Walker; C.Whitford
PUBLIC PRESENT: Bob Twenter;Kevin Schoen;Heather Strang; Susan Vera
J. McCue did roll call. Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter was not present. Demolitions Hearing Officer David
Muylle moved to grant an excused absence for Mr.Hiaeshutter for this evening.
J.McCue asked for approval of the 6/26/08 meeting minutes. Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle moved to approve
minutes as written.
OLD BUSINESS:
Case No.: 2008-019 Address: 520 W.Kilborn St.
J.McCue updated the Board on this case. It was last tabled on 6/26/08 with the conditions that the owner must pull all required
permits and submit a plan of action to the Board at the next meeting. A building permit was pulled on 7/17/08 for interior and
exterior remodel. There has been no action on the permit since issuance. As of today,none of the required trade permits have
been pulled,nor has a plan of action been submitted to the Code Compliance Office. Per the status report from CCO Whitford,
there has been a clearing out of the interior, removal of plaster, fixtures, etc. There is a dumpster on site. However, he found
the property open& accessible when he was there. All of the basement, V floor windows and doors and 2"d floor windows
were open. He spoke with the neighbors who stated that no one has been at the structure for the past 3 days. He contacted Mr.
Twenter, who is doing the work and informed him that the property was open& accessible. Mr. Twenter told CCO Whitford
that they had not been there since Monday, 7/21/08. CCO Whitford emphasized to Mr. Twenter that the property MUST
remain secured at all times. There are several small children in the area which creates liability and safety issues. He also
informed Mr. Twenter that he was not required to contact him;he did this as a courtesy. Mr. Twenter informed CCO Whitford
that he would secure the property. CCO Whitford went by the property at 3:00 pm and it was still unsecured. He,then,went by
again at 5:00 pm and the property had been secured. The owner received notification of the meeting this evening. Based on
this information, staff recommends that this property be made safe or demolished in 30 days.
Bob Twenter, who has stated that he is doing the work for the owner, addressed the Board. He stated that he has spoken with
his crew and they will make sure that the property remains secure when they are not there. He submitted a general timeline of
what will be completed by the next meeting. He stated that they could not get estimates on any work until they got the property
cleaned out wluch is what they have been working on. He stated that it will only cost$36,000 to repair the house and should be
done in 60 days.
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES Julv 24.2008 PAGE 2
CCO Whitford asked Mr. Twenter what he plans on doing with the wood floors which have severe animal feces ground into
them. Mr.Twenter stated that he plans on replacing the beams and floors.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle asked Mr. Twenter why the owner doesn't come to the meetings or communicate
with the Code Compliance Office on this issue. Mr. Twenter stated that the owner just hires him to do the work and take care
of all of the meetings.
J. McCue stated that before Mr. Twenter can address the Demolition Board or City Council in the future that they must have a
letter from the owner stating that Mr. Twenter is acting on his behalf. Mr. Twenter stated that he would get that letter to the
Code Compliance Office immediately.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by August 28,2008.
NEW BUSINESS:
Case No.: 2008-023 Address: 711 E.Kalamazoo St.
J.McCue presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested party is SS2 Ventures LLC. The SEV of the property
is$25,200. Land value is$24,600. Building value is$600. Original red tag date is 5/29/08. The property is zoned `H—Light
Industrial'. Estimate of repairs is $860,725. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled. The owner has
received notification of the meeting. We received notification from the owner stating that the City of Lansing should not place
this property in the demolition process. J. McCue explained that this is a unique situation. It is a refrigeration warehouse that
was destroyed by fire on 12/22/06. The owners have had issues with the insurance company on this property. However,it has
sat for quite some time in the current condition. Based on this information,staff recommends that this property be made safe or
demolished in 30 days.
Heather Strang and Kevin Schoen, both owners of the property addressed the board. They stated that the only reason it is
taking so long to do something with the property is that they are having problems dealing with the insurance company. They
have had to retain council in Detroit and the process is very slow. They referred to the letter that was sent to the Code
Compliance Office listing the reasons why the property should not be in the demolition process because it is a commercial
structure. They stated that it is their intention to do the right thing with the property and with the City of Lansing. Things were
underway to fix the property on the day of the fire. When the fire occurred,they had to punch holes in the walls in order for the
fire fighters to get all of the fire out. They stated that they even paid $5,000 to take down the front wall to ensure that it
wouldn't collapse after the fire. They explained some of their insurance policy with Auto Owners. They stated that they
believe they will prevail in the fight with the insurance company; it will just take time to do it. They are in the process of
selecting a court-appointed arbitrator. They stated that they will keep the City of Lansing and City Council informed as to the
progress on the property and the issues with the insurance company. They also stated that if they are not given time to rectify
this situation,they will file an injunction.
J. McCue stated that he wanted to address the letter that was sent. He explained that this property is in the Make Safe or
Demolish process per the request of the Administration and the City Attorney's Office. He reviewed the State Law regarding
demolitions and listed MCL 125.539 0) that specifically states that properties that are commercial are not exempt from the
demolition process.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle stated that he understands the situation that the owners are in and that it may take
some time to rectify it. However,the Demolition Board has to be careful to weigh the rights of the property owners versus how
it affects the neighbors around the area. This property has been in a seriously unsafe condition for 2 years and needs to move
ahead in the process.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by August 28,2008.
OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muvlle asked about the status of lZetting another board member. He re-
iterated the fact that there needs to be more than one person making these decisions. J. McCue stated that they have
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES July 24,2008 PAGE 3
been trying to find someone,but have been unsuccessful. The biggest challenge that they face is finding someone who
lives in the City of Lansing. They are still working on it.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
ADJOURNMENT: At 6:48 pm,J.McCue adjourned the meeting.
Resp lly submitted,
Jim McCue Draft date: July 24,2008
Secretary Approved date: August 28,2008
Sent to Clerk's Office: August 29,2008
cc: Mayor's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Council Office
File
SIN
G DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
316 N.Capitol Avenue,Suite C-2 • Lansing MI 48933-1238;(517)483-4361 •FAX: (517)377-0169
ICH1 � �
Bob Johnson,Director
. c_J
CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICE ;L
Virg Bernero,Mayor
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF LANSING `''
DEMOLITION BOARD `' " Z..'
Held at 316 N. Capitol Ave. at 6:00 pm, ;
June 26, 2008
The June 2008 meeting of the City of Lansing Demolition Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m.by J. McCue. The following
members were in attendance:David Muylle.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mark Hiaeshutter
STAFF PRESENT: J. McCue;L.Walker; C.Whitford
PUBLIC PRESENT: Neal McNamara;Bob Twenter
J. McCue stated that Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter requested an excused absence for this evening due to
conflicts in his work schedule. Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle moved to approve the excused absence.
J. McCue asked for approval of the 5/22/08 meeting minutes. Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle moved to approve
minutes as written.
OLD BUSINESS:
Case No.: 2008-011 Address: 1234 W.Lenawee St.
J. McCue updated the Board on this case. It was last tabled on 5/22/08 with the conditions that the owner must pull all required
permits and submit a plan of action to the Board at the next meeting. As of today, none of the required permits have been
pulled,nor has a plan of action been submitted to the Code Compliance Office. Per the status report from CCO Whitford,there
has been no progress made at the property since the last meeting. There is storage of trash & debris in the trailer, as well as
storage of vehicles on the lot. CCO Whitford has had no contact with the owners until 6/25/08. The brother of the owner,
Patrick Phifer, was on site when he arrived. Mr. Phifer stated that nothing has been done, no permits have been issued and he
seemed to be unaware of the upcoming demo board hearing. He stated that Patrick has the money and would bring him to the
meeting. Also, there is a memo to the file which states that, per BWL, the water had been off and the account closed since
March 13, 2000. The electric has been on and off consistently for non-payment and is currently off and the account closed due
to non-payment as of 6/4/08. Notification was sent to Mr. Phifer at the Lenawee address as well as his P 0 Box (which he
notified the board at the last meeting to use as his mailing address). Neither of the certified slips has been returned,nor has the
mail been returned unclaimed. Based on this information, staff recommends that this property be made safe or demolished in
30 days.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by July 24,2008.
Case No.: 2008-015 Address: 810 Bancroft Ct.
J. McCue updated the Board on this case. It was last tabled on 5/22/08 with the conditions that the owner must pull all required
pernuts and submit a plan of action to the Board at the next meeting. As of today, none of the required permits have been
pulled,nor has a plan of action been submitted to the Code Compliance Office. Per the status report from CCO Whitford,there
has been no progress made at the property since the last meeting. The owner has not made any contact with CCO Whitford
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES June 26,2008 PAGE 2
since the last meeting. Both parties received notification of the meeting tonight. Based on this information, staff recommends
that this property be made safe or demolished in 30 days.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by July 24,2008.
NEW BUSINESS:
Case No.: 2008-019 Address: 520 Kilborn St.
J. McCue presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested party is the VA Loan Sery &Claims MDP263. The
SEV of the property is $38,900. Land value is $6,100. Building value is $32,800. Original red tag date is 12/12/06. The
property is zoned `C' Residential. Estimate of repairs is $75,800. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled.
The owner has received notification of the meeting. We received notification from the new owner, First Housing Services, on
6/24/08. They provided a copy of the recorded Covenant Deed. Their letter states that they plan on repairing the structure
within 90 days and will be pulling permits within 10 days. Based on this information, staff recommends tabling this case for 30
days to allow time for the new owner to pull permits and begin work.
Bob Twenter, representing the owner, addressed the Board. He stated that he is a General Contactor who does a great deal of
work for ReMax. The owner plans on having everything done in 90 days or less. Permits will be pulled shortly.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be tabled to July 24, 2008 with the conditions that the
owner must pull all required permits and submit a plan of action to the Board at the next meeting.
Case No.:2008-020 Address: 3618 Malibu Dr.
J. McCue presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested parties are Richard &Lisa Queen. The SEV of the
property is $69,300. Land value is $10,900. Building value is $58,400. Original red tag date is 8/25/04. The property is
zoned `C' Residential. Estimate of repairs is $73,710. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled. The
meeting notification letter was returned unclaimed. He also stated that there is some history on this property. A ticket was
issued long ago that went to Court Ordered Compliance,which then went to bench warrant. The brother of the owner came in
to the counter last winter and stated that he was trying to broker a deal to sell the property,but that fell through. There has been
no contact or communication with the owner. Based on this information, staff recommends that this property be made safe or
demolished in 30 days.
CCO Whitford stated that he has had no contact with the owner,but has spoken with several neighbors regarding this property.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by July 24,2008.
Case No.: 2008-021 Address: 3126 Felt St.
J. McCue presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested parties are Hazel Hopkins & Huntington National
Bank. Owner is deceased. This is a foreclosed property. The SEV of the property is$28,600. Land value is $4,900. Building
value is$23,700. Original red tag date is 3/7/06. The property is zoned `A'Residential. Estimate of repairs is $53,800. As of
today, none of the required permits have been pulled. Huntington National Bank, who holds the mortgage, received the
notification letter. This property has found open and accessible several times since 2006. There was also a coyote den found in
the dwelling as well as several animal carcasses. There has been no recent contact or communication with the owner's family.
Based on this information,staff recommends that this property be made safe or demolished in 30 days.
CCO Whitford stated that he has spoken with multiple agents who won't even list the property due to the severity of its
condition.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by July 24,2008.
Case No.: 2008-022 Address: 209 W.Willow St.
J. McCue presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested party is Patrick Dent. The SEV of the property is
$32,500. Land value is $6,100. Building value is $26,400. Original red tag date is 12/11/07. The property is zoned `C'
Residential. Estimate of repairs is $87,000. This is a fire-damaged property. The fire was on 12/10/07. As of today, none of
the required pen-nits have been pulled. A demolition permit was applied for on 6/6/08,but is pending due to no utility release
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES June 26 2008 PAGE 3
letters. There is a memo in the file stating that the owner,Mr. Dent, contact our office stating that he has made arrangements to
Quit Claim the property to Keon Green. He also stated that he has a payment agreement with him. Mr.Dent could not attend
the meeting tonight due to being in Florida. The Quit Claim Deed is not recorded or even completed at this point per Mr.Dent.
It was requested that Mr. Dent fax the documents that he has on the property to our office. He said that he would do that. Our
office never received any documentation, nor had any communication with Keon Green on this property. Based on this
information, staff recommends that this property be made safe or demolished in 30 days.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by July 24,2008.
OTHER BUSINESS:
A. 711 E. Kalamazoo — Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle asked about the status of this property due to
questions that he is receiving from the public. J. McCue explained that there is an outstanding letter from Code
Compliance on this structure. It is a commercial warehouse. Usually, it would be handled by the Building Safety
Division. However, the Law Department requested that this be processed under the Housing Code. It will be
submitted into the demolition process on 7/1/08 and is anticipated to be heard at the July 24, 2008 Demolition Board
Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
ADJOURNMENT: At 6:37 pm,J. McCue adjourned the meeting.
Respe lly submitted,
McCue Draft date: June 26,2008
ecretary Approved date: July 24,2008
Sent to Clerk's Office: July 25,2008
cc: Mayor's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Council Office
File
SIN
G DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
316 N.Capitol Avenue,Suite C-2 • Lansing MI 48933-1238;(517)483-4361 •FAX: (517)377-0169
jC e�
Bob Johnson,Director
CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICE
Virg Bernero,Mayor
c
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF LANSING
- DEMOLITION BOARD
Held at 316 N. Capitol Ave. at 6:00 m
�.� P� P
May 22, 2008
The MaY708;ineeting of the City of Lansing Demolition Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by L. Walker. The following
members:v'�ere,in:attendance: David Muylle.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mark Hiaeshutter
STAFF PRESENT: L. Walker; C. Whitford
PUBLIC PRESENT: Jorge Hernandez;Lenore Watts;Lysandra Lang; Sam Usman;Homer Smith;Patrick Phifer
L. Walker explained that Mr. Jim McCue was unable to be at the meeting this evening due to a prior engagement. Thus, she
was filling in for him.
L. Walker reminded Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle that Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter has
requested an excused absence for the months of April and May 2008 due to conflicts in his schedule and that this was approved
at last month's meeting.
L. Walker asked for approval of the 4/24/08 meeting minutes. Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle moved to
approve minutes as written.
OLD BUSINESS:
Case No.: 2008-008 Address: 226 S.ML King Jr.Blvd.
L. Walker updated the Board on this case. It was last tabled on 4/24/08 in order for the owner to decide what they want to do
with the property based on the information gathered at the 4/24/08 meeting. It was also stipulated that the property must be
cleaned up; a written plan must be either submitted to the Code Compliance Office or brought to the next Demolition Board
Meeting and permits must be pulled if it is decided that the owner will proceed with rehabilitation of the structure. As of today,
none of the required permits have been pulled. The only communication that the Code Compliance Office has had was with the
new agent, Lysandra Lang. That communication was to obtain her name, address and phone number in order to send her a
notification letter of the meeting for tonight. The owner has received notification of the meeting tonight. Based on this
information, staff recommends that this property be made safe or demolished in 30 days.
Lysandra Lang, acting agent to her father, Jonathan Watts, addressed the Board. She stated that she was not at the last meeting
and was unaware of the conditions that needed to be met for this meeting.
Lenore Watts addressed the Board. She stated that she has not spoken with Mr. Ruffm since the last meeting and does not have
a written plan of action. She did state that her parents want to keep the property. They spoke of possibly selling it,but would
like to keep the property and rehabilitate it.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by June 26,2008.
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES May 22,2008 PAGE 2
NEW BUSINESS:
Case No.: 2008-011 Address: 1234 W.Lenawee St.
L.Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested parties include Fred Phifer,Patrick Phifer&Tynesia
Phifer. The SEV of the property is $45,700. Land value is $8,800. Building value is $36,900. Original red tag date is
4/14/03. The property is zoned `B' Residential. Estimate of repairs is $98,500. As of today,none of the required permits have
been pulled. The owner has received notification of the meeting. However, there has been no contact or communication with
the owner. Based on this information, staff recommends 30 days to make safe or demolish this property.
Patrick Phifer, son of Fred Phifer, addressed the Board. He stated that his father passed away last year and he has recently
acquired the property. He was in jail for the past 90 days and just got out. He intends to rehabilitate the property and live in it.
He also stated that money is not a problem as his father left money for him to fix the property.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be tabled to June 26,2008 with the conditions that the
owner must pull all required permits and submit a plan of action to the Board at the next meeting.
Case No.: 2008-012 Address: 1344 Christopher St.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested party is Sameer Dua. The SEV of the property is
$33,300. Land value is $3,800. Building value is $29,500. Original red tag date is 2/12/07. The property is zoned `B'
Residential. Estimate of repairs is $34,000. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled. The meeting
notification letter was returned unclaimed. There has been no contact or communication with the owner. Based on this
information,staff recommends that this property be made safe or demolished in 30 days.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by June 26,2008.
Case No.: 2008-013 Address: 3604 Karen St.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested party is Homecomings Financial Network,Inc. This
is a property in the foreclosure process. The SEV of the property is$47,400. Land value is$8,300. Building value is$39,100.
The original red tag date is 8/7/07. The property is zoned `A' Residential. Estimate of repairs is $95,000. There is also an in-
ground pool and pool house located in the enclosed back yard. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled.
The owner did receive notification of the meeting tonight. There has been no contact or communication with the owner. Based
on this information, staff recommends 30 days to make safe or demolish this property.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle stated that when he went by the property today,he found it open and accessible. He
was able to close the door,but the gate to the fence was open. He wedged a 2x4 plank in the gate to secure it,but it needs to be
properly secured. CCO Whitford stated that he would take care of it first thing in the morning.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by June 26,2008.
Case No.: 2008-014 Address: 0 Starr Ave.(aka 4719)
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested party is Nancy Hernandez. The SEV of the property
is $7,200. Land value is $4,100. Building value is $3,100. The property is zoned `A' Residential. This is a unique case as it
was placed into the Make Safe or Demolish process for the garage, shed and wood deck that remains on the property. The fire-
damaged house was demolished by the owner in November 2006. The rear wood deck, shed and garage were not removed.
The demolition permit cannot be complied until the property meets code. In July 2007,the owner was working with a mortgage
company to finance a modular home to be installed on the property. On 4/l/08,the owner informed CCO Maloney that she was
unable to secure financing. A Zoning Violation Correction Notice was issued on 3/6/08 regarding this matter and for using the
property for storage. A re-inspection of the property on 4/9/08 revealed that the open storage and the garage, shed and wood
deck still remains. Per the report from the Zoning Administrator, Sue Stachowiak, the primary structure was demolished in
2006 and the garage was left on the property. This is a violation of the Zoning Ordinance since garages are only permitted as
an accessory to a primary use. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled. The meeting notification letter was
returned without a forwarding address. Based on this information, staff recommends 30 days to make safe or demolish this
property.
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES May 22 2008 PAGE 3
George Hernandez, representing Nancy Hernandez, addressed the Board. He stated that he has a friend who wants to build a
house on the lot. He also requested that future correspondence to his mother be sent to 4245 W. Jolly Rd., Lot#4,Lansing, MI
48911 due to her mail being returned unclaimed at the Hunter's Ridge address.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by June 26,2008.
Case No.: 2008-015 Address: 810 Bancroft Ct.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record is Homer Smith. Interested parties include Homer Smith and
Myles Development, who purchased the property on a land contract. The SEV of the property is $18,300. Land value is
$5,600. Building value is $12,700. The original red tag date is 10/14/03. The property is zoned `C' Residential. Estimate of
repairs is $119,000. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled. This structure is currently being utilized for
storage which is not allowable under the Housing Code. The owner received notification of the meeting tonight. However,
there has been no contact or communication with the owner. Our office did receive a letter from Gene Townsend regarding this
property and requesting that it not be demolished, but some alternative found to keep the house intact and repaired. Based on
this information,staff recommends 30 days to make safe or demolish this property.
Homer Smith, owner, addressed the Board. He stated that he is selling the property on land contract to Myles Development.
He believes that they want to rehabilitate the house. He will check with Myles Development and see what they are planning on
doing and make sure that they get started. He doesn't believe that it will cost that much to rehab the property. He has been
rehabilitating other houses and would like to keep this structure. The neighbors would also like to see this house remain in the
neighborhood.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be tabled to June 26, 2008 with the conditions that the
owner must pull all required permits and submit a plan of action to the Board at the next meeting.
Case No.: 2008-016 Address: 1308 N.Walnut St.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record is William Schoenbachler. Interested parties include William
Schoenbachler, Sam Usman and Greg Cole. The SEV of the property is $41,300. Land value is $5,000. Building value is
$36,300. The original red tag date is 11/15/05. The property is zoned `B' Residential. Estimate of repairs is$104,500. As of
today,none of the required permits have been pulled. The owner received notification of the meeting tonight. However, there
has been no contact or communication with the owner. Based on this information, staff recommends 30 days to make safe or
demolish this property.
Sam Usman, owner, addressed the Board. He stated that he took over the land contract from William Schoenbachler and sold it
to Greg Cole. He stated that Mr. Cole wants to rehab the property,but could not be at the meeting because he was on vacation.
He is short on money at this point. Mr. Usman stated that he and Mr. Cole plan on working together to get this property
brought up to code. He also stated that they should have it done in 1-2 months. He stated that Mr. Cole has his own crew that
does rehab work. Mr. Usman stated that he took an engineer inside the structure to look at the foundation issues. He is still
awaiting a quote to fix that. He should have that report in 1-2 weeks.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by June 26,2008.
Case No.: 2008-017 Address: 221 E.Randolph St.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record is Christine Eaton. Interested parties include Christine Eaton and
Deutsche Bank National Trust. The SEV of the property is $23,600. Land value is $6,700. Building value is $16,900. The
original red tag date is 3/26/08. The property is zoned `A'Residential. Estimate of repairs is $67,000. This is a fire-damaged
property. The fire was on 12/30/07. As of today, none of the required permits have been pulled. There has been no contact or
communication with the owner except for a faxed letter sent from Christine Eaton stating that she no longer owned the property
due to filing for bankruptcy. Based on this information, staff recommends 30 days to make safe or demolish this property.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by June 26,2008.
Case No.: 2008-018 Address: 1222 Lathrop St.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record is Mary King. Interested parties include Mary King and Tonia
Otis. The SEV of the property is$17,300. Land value is$1,500. Building value is$15,800. The original red tag date is
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES May 22,2008 PAGE 4
8/27/07. The property is zoned `B'Residential. Estimate of repairs is$43,600. As of today,none of the required permits have
been pulled. The owner received notification of the meeting tonight. However, there has been no contact or communication
with the owner. Based on this information, staff recommends 30 days to make safe or demolish this property.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by June 26,2008.
OTHER BUSINESS: None
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
ADJOURNMENT: At 7:10 pm,L.Walker adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
t G✓�.�i�
Laura Walker Draft date: May 22,2008
Acting Secretary Approved date: June 26,2008
Sent to Clerk's Office: June 27,2008
cc: Mayor's Office
City Clerk's Office i
City Council Office
File
SIN
G DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
316 N.Capitol Avenue,Suite C-2 • Lansing MI 48933-1238;(517)483-4361 •PAX: �517)3�7.0169
Bob Johnson,Director
-- ca
ICH10 _
CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICE
Virg Bernero,Mayor
' ,T!
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF LANSING
DEMOLITION BOARD
Held at 316 N. Capitol Ave. at 6:00 pm,
April 24, 2008
The April 2008 meeting of the City of Lansing Demolition Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m.by L. Walker. The following
members were in attendance:David Muylle.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mark Hiaeshutter
STAFF PRESENT: A. Castillo; S. Sanford;Laura Walker
PUBLIC PRESENT: Tom Bodine;Jill Campbell;Lenore Watts; Steve Ruffin;Mike Gitolami
L. Walker explained that Mr. Jim McCue was unable to run the meeting this evening due to being out of town. Thus, she was
filling in for him.
L. Walker informed Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle that Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter has
requested an excused absence for the months of April and May 2008 due to conflicts in his schedule. Demolitions Hearing
Officer David Muylle moved to approve an excused absence for Mr.Hiaeshutter for the months of April and May 2008.
L. Walker asked for approval of the 3/27/08 meeting minutes. Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle moved to
approve minutes as written.
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Case No.: 2008-007 Address: 1425 Prospect St.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record is Jill Campbell. Interested parties include Jill Campbell and
Washington Mutual Bank. The SEV of the property is $49,600. Land value is $3,000. Building value is $46,600. Original
red tag date is 4/20/06. The property is zoned `C' Residential. Estimate of repairs is $72,000. None of the required permits
have been pulled. The owner has received notification of the meeting. However, there has been no contact or communication
with the owner. Based on this information, staff recommends 30 days to make safe or demolish this property.
The owner, Jill Campbell, addressed the Board. She stated that she has no money to fix the house. She owes$60,000 on it as
of this date. She wondered if there were any city programs available. She has tried to re-finance the house,but it is in too bad
of shape to do so. She has taken it as far as she can. She is willing to fix it, she just can't get the money to fix it. She stated
that when the house was removed next door to hers, it caused her house to sink more. There is an underground riverbed
running through that area. Now the house is tipping. It became unstable after the house next door was demolished.
Tom Bodine addressed the Board. He stated that he has applied to private individuals for assistance. They want to move the
house next door and replace the foundation,then put the house back.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by May 22,2008.
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES April 24 2008 PAGE 2
Case No.: 2008-008 Address: 226 S.ML King Jr.Blvd.
L.Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested parties are Jonathan&Leola Watts. The SEV of the
property is$53,700. Land value is$7,500. Building value is $46,200. Original red tag date is 10/8/07. The property is zoned
`C' Residential. Estimate of repairs is $82,000. None of the required permits have been pulled. The property has been vacant
for more than 10 years. The latest Rental Certification expired January 1996. CCO Whitford and CCO Brand informed me
that they met with the owner's daughters (Mr. Watts is severely ill) on February 18, 2008 in regards to this property as well as
three (3) other properties in the immediate vicinity that Mr. Watts owns. They discussed the fact that the sisters need to have a
plan of action for the property and an Acting Agent. Their primary contact was Lenore Watts. CCO Whitford and CCO Brand
also discussed the monthly monitoring fee; red tags and unsafe housing; curb appeal and the fact that their parent's properties
are prominent at the south entrance to the downtown area and that they are considered blight. The Court Ordered Compliance
process, as well as the Make Safe or Demolish process,were also discussed. CCO Whitford offered to meet them at each of the
properties in question and perform a walk-through inspection with them or their representative. CCO Brand informed them that
this property would be entered into the Make Safe or Demolish process due to the condition of the structure. It was also
mentioned that another one of Mr. Watts' properties may also be entered into the process in the near future. As of today,
neither of the CCOs have had any additional contact from the family in regards to inspections, a plan of action, etc. There has
been no contact or communication with the owner. I did receive a phone call from Mr. Stephen Ruffin, Ruffin Consulting,
regarding this property. Mr. Ruffin is a consultant and a friend of the family. He stated that he has spoken with the sisters
regarding the seriousness of this issue and the severe condition of the property. Based on this information, staff recommends 30
days to make safe or demolish this property.
Mr. Stephen Ruffin, consultant to the Watts family, addressed the Board. He submitted a letter from Mr. Watts stating that Mr.
Ruffin was acting on his behalf and as his consultant for the meeting tonight. Mr.Ruffin stated that he spoke with Mr. and Mrs.
Watts earlier today regarding the property. Mr. Watts is extremely ill and bed-stricken. Mr. Watts' daughter asked for his help
in January. Mr. Ruffin's staff walked through the property and he estimated the repairs to be in a 6-digit figure. The owner
wants to rehab the property. They want to get the property re-zoned to commercial and use it for an office building or possibly
retail. The owner is willing to refinance and is prepared to start work and clean up the property as soon as possible. They are
currently working with developers.
Lenore Watts, daughter of Mr. Watts, addressed the board. She asked about the possibility of transitional home zoning. She
also stated that they now have an agent. Her name is Lysandra Long and she can be reached at 372-0754.
Code Compliance Officer Scott Sanford addressed the zoning issues. He stated that the property would have to be re-zoned to a
DM-3 or DM-4 for transitional home use. He stated that would be extremely difficult. He also stated that any re-zoning
attempt to commercial in that area would more than likely be denied as the entire area is residential. The Master Plan does not
support any re-zoning to commercial on that side of ML King Jr.Blvd. It is to remain residential.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be tabled until May 22,2008 in order for the owner to
decide what they want to do with the property based on the information gathered at this meeting. He also stipulated
that the property must be cleaned up; a written plan must be either submitted to the Code Compliance Office or
brought to the next Demolition Board Meeting and permits must be pulled if it is decided that the owner will proceed
with rehabilitation of the structure.
Case No.: 2008-009 Address: 1710 W.Jolly Rd.(garage only)
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested party is Harnid Khorrami. The SEV of the property
is$22,500. Land value is$16,800. Building value is$5,700. The property is zoned `A' Residential. This is a unique property
as the house was demolished sometime between 6/2005 and 8/2005. However, the demolition permit was never finalized due to
the garage never being torn down which created a violation of the Zoning Code. On 11/28/05, the Zoning Administrator
advised the owner that the garage must be removed or construct a single family home on the property. The owner did not
comply which required our office to issue a Civil Infraction citation(M3639) on 12/20/05. The ticket was dismissed in January
2006 after our office was informed by the owner that he had applied for a zoning variance. The owner failed to submit the
required documentation and, therefore, the re-zoning application was not processed. Based on these facts and that the property
has been abandoned for more than 180 days, it was placed in the demolition process. The owner has received notification of
the meeting tonight. There has been no action whatsoever on the property; nor has there been any contact or communication
with the owner. Based on this information, staff recommends 30 days to make safe or demolish this property.
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES Aril 24 2008 PAGE 3
Mahmood Gholami, consultant and Mike Blissner attempted to address the board concerning this case. L. Walker notified the
Board that there was no documentation that either one of these gentlemen represented the owner. Thus, they could not address
the board on this case. They could,however, address the board during the Public Comment Section of the agenda.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by May 22,2008.
OTHER BUSINESS: None
PUBLIC COMMENT:
A. Mahmood Gholami stated that he is the consultant for Hamid Khorrami, the owner of 1710 W. Jolly Rd. He stated that he
prepared the drawings for the owner a couple of years ago. He believed that the owner submitted the drawings, but never
followed up on it. He hasn't heard from the owner in 2 years until now. The owner is now contracting with him again and
wants to put a house on the property.
B. Mike Blissner stated that he is the one that demolished the house. He also stated that he spoke with Zoning about the
possibility of building an 8-10 unit, 2-story structure which would be handicap on the bottom and 55 years and older on the top.
S. Sanford stated that cannot be done in that area. Two duplexes could be put there. The city doesn't want anything else there.
Anything over a 3-unit is considered commercial.
ADJOURNMENT: At 7:05 pm,L. Walker adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Walker Draft date: April 24,2008
Acting Secretary Approved date: May 22, 2008
cc: Mayor's Office Sent to Clerk's Office: May 23, 2008
City Clerk's Office
City Council Office
File
i
51 �
G DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
316 N.Capitol Avenue,Suite C-2 . Lansing MI 48933-1238;(517)483-4361 •FAX: (517)377-0169
Bob Johnson,Director
ICHIG � r
CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICE
Virg Berner0,Mayor f J l
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF LANSING = n)
DEMOLITION BOARD
Held at 316 N. Capitol Ave. at 6:00 pm,
March 27,2008
The March 2008 meeting of the City of Lansing Demolition Board was called to order at 6:20 p.m. by J. McCue. The
following members were in attendance: David Muylle.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mark Hiaeshutter
STAFF PRESENT: J. McCue; Laura Walker
PUBLIC PRESENT: None
J. McCue asked for approval of the 1/24/08 meeting minutes. Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle moved to approve
minutes as written.
NEW BUSINESS:
Case No.: 2008-006 Address: 313 W.Saginaw St.
J. McCue presented the case. The listed taxpayers of record and interested parties are Charles &Tracy Pratt. The SEV of the
property is $18,100. Land value is $8,500. Building value is $9,600. Original red tag date is 5/17/07. The property is zoned
`DM-4' Residential. Estimate of repairs is $66,500. This is a fire damaged property. The fire was on 2/23/07. None of the
required permits have been pulled. Mr. McCue spoke with the owner at the counter approximately 6-8 weeks ago. The owner
stated that he does not have the money to fix the property; the city has the insurance money and he just wants to give it to the
city. Based on this information,staff recommends 30 days to make safe or demolish this property.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by April 24,2008.
OLD BUSINESS: None
OTHER BUSINESS:
A. More Demolitions—Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle inquired as to whether there would be an increase in
the number of demolitions being processed. L. Walker stated that she has spoke with two Code Compliance
Officers; one has 5 that he will be submitting in the next couple of weeks and another 12 that will be submitted
soon. The other has 5 to be submitted (probably one a month). It will be a busy summer. J McCue stated that
due to the fact that the field officers have increased and there has been no increase in the amount of
support/adnunistrative staff,the processes take longer to do. Resources are re-allocated where and when needed.
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES March 27,2008 PAGE 2
B. Foreclosures — Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle inquired about foreclosed properties/grass mowing/liens
on properties. J. McCue stated that the grass processing was up 407% last year. It is a huge problem with the
amount of foreclosures. We are trying to educate the general public, as well as the landlords to keep these
foreclosed properties mowed to avoid attractive nuisances (i.e. stripping of all copper piping, etc.). Mr. Muylle
stated that he would also take that message to the neighborhood groups that he attends and explain how it would
help their neighborhoods to help out in this manner.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
ADJOURNMENT: At 6:20 pm,J.McCue adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
im McCue Draft date: March 27, 2008
Secretary Approved date: April 24,2008
Sent to Clerk's Office: April 25,2008
cc: Mayor's Office
City Clerk's Office
City Council Office
File
SI �
G DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
�1 316 N.Capitol Avenue,Suite C-2 • Lansing Ml 48933-1238;(517)483-4361 .FAX: (517)377-0169
I C l I I G Q' Bob Johnson,Director
Virg Bernero,Mayor
CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICE
'
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF LANSING
DEMOLITION BOARD
Held at 316 N. Capitol Ave. at 6:00 pm, _
January 24, 2008
do
The January 2008 meeting of the City of Lansing Demolition Board was called to order at 6:04 p.m. walker.
The following members were in attendance: David Muylle; Mark Hiaeshutter :_
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Scott Sanford; Craig Whitford
PUBLIC PRESENT: Shirley Leonard; Edward Kluge
L. Walker stated that J. McCue could not attend the meeting tonight due to being off work for a while. During Mr.
McCue's absence, Scott Sanford will be the Interim Code Compliance Manager.
L. Walker asked for approval of the 9/27/07 meeting minutes. Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle
moved to approve minutes as written.
L. Walker requested that the agenda be altered to accommodate Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle in a
scheduling conflict. Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle moved to alter the agenda.
NEW BUSINESS:
Case No.: 2008-004 Address: 1507 Donora St.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested party is Paul Leonard who is recently
deceased. The property now remains in the ownership of his wife, Shirley Leonard. The SEV of the property is
$32,300. Land value is $2,700. Building value is $29,600. Original red tag date is 8/5/07. The property is zoned
`B' Residential. Estimate of repairs is $41,000. Per the request of CCO David Vincent, the mail was sent to the
owner's daughter, Kitina Leonard of which she received. None of the required permits have been pulled on this
property. Staff has received several complaints from the neighbors regarding the infestation of bugs which has
now come onto their properties. Based on this information, staff recommends 30 days to make safe or demolish
this property.
The owner, Shirley Leonard, addressed the Board. She stated that her late husband was told by someone at the
City of Lansing that the house would be torn down and a new house or a pre-fab house would be put up in its
place. She could not tell the Board who her husband spoke with. She requested that the mail still be sent to her in
c/o Kitina Leonard since that is who she is living with at this time.
General discussion ensued regarding that conversation. No one from the City of Lansing would give that
information due to the fact that the city does not take over properties and put new houses on them. There was a
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES January 24 2008 PAGE 2
question of whether Mr. Leonard had possibly spoken with a non-profit association. That question could not be
answered.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by February
28, 2008.
Case No.: 2008-002 Address: 429 Hylewood Ave.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested party is Lasalle Bank National
Association. This property is currently in foreclosure. The SEV of the property is $27,900. Land value is $5,400.
Building value is $22,500. Original red tag date is 9/14/07. The property is zoned `A' Residential. Estimate of
repairs is $55,000. The owner did receive notification of the meeting tonight. However, there has been no
communication with the owner. None of the required permits have been pulled on this property. Based on this
information, staff recommends 30 days to make safe or demolish this property.
Demolitions Hearing Officer David Muylle ordered the property be made safe or demolished by February
28, 2008.
OLD BUSINESS:
Case No.: 2007-014 Address: 313 W. Fairfield Ave.
L. Walker updated the Board on this case. It was last tabled on 8/23/07 with the following conditions: 1) the
electrical and mechanical permits are pulled and finalized by October 25, 2007; 2) the plumbing permit is finalized
by October 25, 2007; and a re-inspection in scheduled with CCO Whitford BEFORE October 25, 2007 so that an
updated report can be given to the Demolition Board. L. Walker explained that, although the owner has not met
the requirements, he did inform CCO Whitford that he should be done by the end of January. He is getting ready
to schedule final inspections on the trades permits. Per CCO Whitford's report, he conducted an exterior
inspection of the property on 1/22/08 and was able to determine that the work that has been done on the exterior
and interior exceeds the 50% completion threshold. He recommends that the property be removed from the
demolition process and placed back at the Code Compliance level. He stated that he will work with the owner to
assure that compliance is met. The dwelling shall remain unoccupied until all required permits are finalized and a
final Code Compliance inspection is accomplished. Based on this information, staff recommends that this property
be taken out of the demolition process with the conditions that were set forth by CCO Whitford and if they are not
met, a Court Ordered Compliance Ticket will be issued.
Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter ordered that the case be closed and that the property be
removed from the demolition process with the conditions stated by the Code Compliance staff.
NEW BUSINESS (con'd):
Case No.: 2008-001 Address: 1004 Dunlap St.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested parties are Nicholas Anjou & Pierre
Martinez. The SEV of the property is $36,500. Land value is $1,600. Building value is $34,900. Original red tag
date is 12/5/06. The property is zoned `A' Residential. Estimate of repairs is $64,500. This is a fire-damaged
structure. The fire took place on 12/3/06. The owner has received notification of the meeting tonight. However,
there has been no communication with the Code Compliance Office. None of the required permits have been
pulled on this property. Based on this information, staff recommends 30 days to make safe or demolish this
property.
Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter ordered the property be made safe or demolished by
February 28, 2008.
DEMOLITIONS BOARD MEETING MINUTES January 24 2008 PAGE 3
Case No.: 2008-003 Address: 504 S. Hayford Ave
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested parties are Robert & Beverly Cusack.
The SEV of the property is $15,900. Land value is $5,400. Building value is $10,500. Original red tag date is
10/19/06. The property is zoned `C'. Estimate of repairs is $27,000. The property is in the flood plain and would
require DEQ permits for any new construction or renovation. The structure, itself, is extremely small (320 square
feet). The owner has received notification of the meeting tonight. The owner faxed a letter to the Demolition
Board stating that he wanted the meeting canceled and re-scheduled so that he could attend the meeting. He states
in his letter that the only thing wrong with the property is some water damage on the kitchen floor. There isn't
anything else wrong with the house. He also accuses the City of Lansing of only wanting to demolish the houses in
the flood plain. None of the required permits have been pulled on this property. Based on this infonmation, staff
recommends 30 days to snake safe or demolish this property.
Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter ordered the property be made safe or demolished by
February 28, 2008.
Case No.: 2008-005 Address: 2226 Rheamount Ave.
L. Walker presented the case. The listed taxpayer of record and interested parties are Dario Muniz c/o Paulo
Garza. The SEV of the property is $16,200. Land value is $3,300. Building value is $12,900. Original red tag
date is 1/31/06. The property is zoned `B'. Estimate of repairs is $50,000. The owner has received notification of
the meeting tonight. None of the required permits have been pulled on this property. CCO Whitford informed the
Demolition Board that he met with the owner when the property was placed in the demolition process. They own
the property next door which is also red tagged. He believes that they are living in it at this time. Based on this
information, staff recommends 30 days to make safe or demolish this property.
Demolitions Hearing Officer Mark Hiaeshutter ordered the property be made safe or demolished by
February 28, 2008.
OTHER BUSINESS:
A. 2008 Demolition Board Meetin Schedule—Approved by both Demolition Hearing Officers.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
ADJOURNMENT: At 6:35 pm, L. Walker adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Walker Draft date: January 24, 2008
Acting Secretary Approved date: March 27, 2008
cc: Mayor's Office Sent to Clerk's Office: March 28, 2008
City Clerk's Office
City Council Office
File