Blighted House Set for Demolition; Unfinished 11 Mile Construction Gets More Time

The on Monday voted in favor of demolishing a blighted house on Woodlawn, while giving the owner of an unfinished condo development on 11 Mile Road more time.

House is an 'embarrassment'

The house at 303 Woodlawn was abandoned and gutted by a previous owner in 2009, Jason Craig, the city's chief building official, told the City Commission at its meeting at on Monday night. Since then, Craig said the city has received many complaints about tall grass, garbage and the overall appearance of the house.

Representatives from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which has owned the property since September, told commissioners the structure was safe, secure and sanitary, but neighbors disagreed.

"When I look at this house, half the siding is gone on one side. Critters come and go. Windows have been pulled out. Boards put on. Kids are hanging around. Police reports have been made," said Roger Martin, who has lived in the neighborhood for 30 years. "It's a hazard and it's depressing."

After listening to a dozen neighbors complain the vacated house is an "embarrassment," city commissioners unanimously approved an order to raze the structure.

Unfinished condo project remains – for now

Commissioners had more patience for the owner of a West 11 Mile Road development where construction stopped six years ago after $500,000 of footings and basement/foundation walls were placed.

Since 2006, only the basements of the 14-unit Lofts @ 11 condo project have been built. Land owner and developer Mike Barjaktarovich was unable to secure financing to complete the project, but continues to maintain the property, removing snow and cutting weeds as necessary.

Mayor Pro Tem Patricia Capello said she could be "a little more understanding" and allow Barjaktarovich time to sell the property as long as the project posed "no danger to the public."

Commissioner Jim Rasor made a motion to have the item tabled for 90 days to give the owner time to present liability insurance on the property, and show some type of proof that the property is listed with a broker. Barjaktarovich also has two weeks to improve the fence in front of the property. The motion carried.