Merle Hay Neighborhood Association

Vacant, ''condemned'' houses

Posted in: Merle Hay
On May 31 at 9:00 A.M. there will be a court hearing regarding the property @ 4017-55th which has been 'condemned' and vacant about 3 years. The courtroom is not yet known. (I'll try to remember to post it when known.)

It will be determined then whether the house should be torn down or fixed-up. Because of it's position on the lot, FAR BACK, and the huge sycamore & cedar trees which prevent much improvement, I am in favor of it being town down so a decent house can go in. You can see the way the current owner has ''fixed-it-up'' by putting cheap siding over the outside. I can't believe there would be any more than just cosmetic facing changes if it is allowed to remain.

Contact Ben Bishop @ 237-1449 or bcbishop@ci.des-moines.ia.us to let him know your thoughts, I hope you also are in favor of removing this eyesore. A vote may be taken at the April 11 meeting for an assn. recommendation.
House info & picture

For a picture & description go to the Polk County Assessor website from the MHNA homepage or http://www.co.polk.ia.us/departments/assessor/assessor.htm . From the Assessor homepage clink on 'Enter the Database & website'. Next page - Property Search, next page - General Query, next page 4017 - 55th. The picture is when the house was all olive green, now it is part cheap gray siding over rotting siding. Since a nice new house was just built at 54th & Aurora I think this would be a good spot for another new house.
place

The hearing is with Judge Gamble at the Polk Cnty Cthse - exact room unkwn.

By pm
90 days given

The 5/31 hearing was cancelled because an ''agreement'' was reached a couple of days before. The owners were given 30 days to have the permits ''pulled'' (applied & paid for) and the work is to be done in 90 days, so near the end of August. Today, 6/29, a lawn mower sits in the tall (18'') grass, & very few hours have been spent working on the mess. I've seen vehicles there twice. If not done in 90 days the city can demolish it. More loopholes then?
Advertise Here!

Promote Your Business or Product for $10/mo

istockphoto_2518034-hot-pizza.jpg

For just $10/mo you can promote your business or product directly to nearby residents. Buy 12 months and save 50%!

Buynow