HomeMy WebLinkAbout1673 Approving Application for Blight Removal and Reinvestment Program 4916 NW Merrimac Avenue BILL NO. 2019- 036 ORDINANCE NO. 73
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR THE CITY'S BLIGHT
REMOVAL AND REINVESTMENT PROGRAM FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4916
NW MERRIMAC AVE., AND MAKING A FINDING OF BLIGHTED CONDITION
WHEREAS, the City has established the Blight Removal and Reinvestment Program to
partner with private property owners to remove blighted structures (both residential and
commercial) and encourage reinvestment in the property; and
WHEREAS, a qualified application may receive funding assistance with the removal of
blighted conditions in order to encourage reinvestment in the property; and
WHEREAS, the City has received an application from Michael Ivan Ellsworth
("Applicant') pertaining to property located at 4916 NW Merrimac Ave. ('Property'); and
WHEREAS, City Staff has conducted a blight study, and presented its findings to the Board
of Aldermen for its consideration and final determination of blighted condition; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen deterniines that it is necessary and in the public
interest to approve the Application.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF
THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE, MISSOURI AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1 —FINDING OF BLIGHT
The Board of Aldermen (`Board') has reviewed and considered the Blight Study regarding the
property located at 4916 NW Merrimac Ave., and accordingly finds and declares that the Property
is blighted. The Blight Study regarding the Property is incorporated herein by this reference.
SECTION 2—APPLICATION APPROVED
The Board has reviewed and considered the Application for participation in the City's
Blight Removal and Reinvestment Program, and hereby approves the Application.
SECTION 3—ACTION AUTHORIZED
The Mayor, the City Administrator, the Director of Community Development and other
appropriate City officials are hereby authorized to take any and all actions as may be deemed
necessary or convenient to cavy out and comply with the intent of this Ordinance and with the
Blight Removal and Reinvestment Program.
SECTION 4 — EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and
after the date of its passage and approval.
BE IT REMBERED .that the above was read two times by heading only, PASSED AND
APPROVED by a majority of the Board of Aldermen and APPROVED by the Mayor of the City
of Riverside this day of , 2019.
Azo
Mayor Kathleen L. ose
ATTEST:.
C°€ty_"Clerk
CITY OF Blight Removal and Reinvestment
RIVERI Program: Blight Analysis Report
4916 NW Merimmac Ave
MISSOURI Project# D-2019-1
General Information
Applicant: Michael Ivan Ellsworth
Location: 4916 NW Merrimac Ave
Structure to be Demolished: Single-family home and 2 out buildings
Estimated Demolition Costs: $10,000- $15,000
Blight Removal Match(25%): $2,500 -$3,750
Reinvestment Bonus(25%): $2,500- $3,750
The applicant has indicated he is considering doing a lot split and building two new single-family homes;
however,the timing is unknown. To qualify for the reinvestment bonus the construction must be
complete within 18 months.
Environmental Issues: Potential asbestos given.the age of the structure. The applicant had an
environmental firm conduct the necessary testing. Staff is waiting for the applicant to submit the report.
Current Zoning: R-1 Single-Family Residential
Existing Land Use: Vacant Single-Family Home
Lot Size: 1.1 acres
Analysis
Blight Definition.A "Blighted Property"is a property in which the Board ofAldermen determines that
by reason of age, obsolescence, inadequate or outmoded design or physical deterioration has become an
economic or social liability, and that such condition is conducive to ill health, transmission of disease,
crime or inability to pay reasonable taxes.
Staff has been in contact with the previous property owner sighting him for numerous code violations
including mud and gravel on the street,"junk" and debris on the property and tall grass. We have received
numerous complaints from neighbors of the house harboring rodents. The property was put up for sale in
May 2019. The applicant contacted staff regarding demolition of the property and the potential to do a lot
split and build two new single family homes.
The structure was a 1-story 980 square feet single-family home built in 1930. It satvacant for severalyeais.
The dwelling has not been connected to electrical power for some time and the existing meter has been
disconnected and removed. Water has been shut off to the property and it was never connected to gas.
Wood rot and water damage were noted throughout the structure with evidence of water penetrating the
exterior of the building envelope. There were no functioning gutters. Much of the back exterior of the
property is missing as well as the doors and windows.
Vegetation was growing into and in contact with portions of the entire structure.There was a hole in the
foundation. Additionally, the roof was in disrepair. Shingles were worn through and vegetation was
growing into and in contact with the roof.
Page 1 of 2
Recommendation
Staff finds the structure meets the definition of blight for the Blight Removal and Reinvestment Program
due to disrepair, building safety issues and the infeasibility to rehabilitate the structure,and therefore
recommends the Board approve the application for the program.
Program Budgeting for 2015-2016
Program Budget $24,000
Paid this Budget/Previously Approved $ 0
Application Estimate $ 5,000 - $7,500
Remaining Balance $19,000- $16,500
Attachments
• Structure Photos
• Location Map
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