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Ordinance Directing the Housing Inspector to Vacate, Close and Repair or Demolish the Dwelling at 333 Mercer Avenue as Unfit for Human Habitation Pursuant to Article V, Chapter 16 of the City Code and Directing That a Notice Be Placed Thereon Prohibiting Its Use or Occupancy
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Department:
Housing and Neighborhood Services
Meeting Date:
February 4, 2025
Contact Name:
Brian Renner
Public Hearing:
Yes
Contact Phone:
910-341-3266
Advertising Date/Advertised By:
January 21, 2025
January 28, 2025
Attachments:
Attachment #1: Ordinance
Attachment #2: Case File Summary
Attachment #3: Findings of Fact and Order
Attachment #4: 333 Mercer Ave Photos
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this ordinance is to obtain approval for the Housing Inspector to take appropriate action in order to bring the dwelling at 333 Mercer Avenue into compliance with the Minimum Housing Code ("MHC").
BACKGROUND:
The dwelling at 333 Mercer Avenue has been identified as dilapidated through the MHC enforcement process and deemed "Unfit for Human Habitation." The dwelling is a vacant, single-family house and detached garage. The initial inspection was conducted on June 20, 2023. The case began with a complaint from WPD as to the condition of the vacant dwelling and occupancy by non-residents. The dwelling was boarded by Code Enforcement. The Complaint and Notice of Hearing was issued on December 5, 2023. The hearing was held on December 21, 2023. A family member, Thomas Harrison, appeared before the Hearing Officer. The Hearing Officer issued a Finding of Fact and Order on January 15, 2024.
The Finding of Fact and Order found that the dwelling was unfit for human habitation. The owner was ordered to bring the dwelling into compliance with the Minimum Housing Code by repairing the dwelling or demolishing and removing the dwelling from the property. The owner had until January 1, 2025, to bring the dwelling into compliance or be subject to a civil penalty of $100 per day. Further, City...
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