RECENT COMMENTS
1216 North 24th Street facing imminent demolition
This is one of the Stacey Martin/Donald Lacey houses:
Notice of Pending Demolition of Imminent Hazard to Public Safety – 1216 N 24th Street
In accordance with Section 36-105 of the Code of Virginia, as the Commissioner of Buildings for the City of Richmond I have signed the attached imminent hazard order. This building has deteriorated to the point that its immediate removal is necessary. As a result of this order, the building will be removed, as soon as possible, by either the City of Richmond or the property owner.
If you have questions about the unsafe conditions and the code enforcement status of this building, please contact Michelle Coward, Code Enforcement Program Manager (at Michelle.Coward@richmondgov.com or 646-6357).
Please keep in mind that the issuance of the imminent hazard order means that in accordance with City Code Section Sec. 114-930.6. (j), for those properties in City Old and Historic districts demolition can proceed without a certificate of appropriateness being issued by the Commission of Architectural Review (CAR). Also if the building is an area identified for Federal funding, in accordance with the terms of the Richmond Programmatic Agreement, the City will complete Section 106 review of the property on an emergency basis.
If you have questions regarding these historic preservation programs please contact T. Tyler Potterfield (at 804-646-6364 or Thomas.Potterfield@richmondgov.com). Mr. Potterfield can also add or remove individuals from the distribution list for future imminent notices.
Regards,
Douglas H. Murrow, AIA, CBO
Commissioner of Buildings
PHOTO TOP: 1216 and 1218 North 24th Street (Nov.2009)
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Looks like this property was just just in a tax auction back in October:
http://www.motleys.com/auction/richmond-va-City-of-Richmond-Tax-Delinquent-Sale-28-Residential-Properties-Call-today-to-consign-your-properties%21
One day Richmond will have no examples of working-class houses. People don’t even add on to houses anymore, they just get another, bigger house.
I found out yesterday from the City that the adjacent property at 1218 is also cited under Imminent Danger and will be demolished leaving a bigger hole in the streetscape.
When it reaches this point, the city ought to have a) the right to restore or at least stabilize the property if it has historic value. B) The right to recover or avoid their costs by allowing someone else to do the work/front the money, and then sell the property.
Obviously, I’m offering this up as a partial idea at best, but basically, just extend the tax lien process…
….or maybe they could just tax vacant/blighted property at a significantly higher rate?