Man pleads for his home.

[nvrenuf]

20k

Even worse, 1/20th then. If this is our city's idea of financial competency then it explains why we have to cut pensions, library funding, parks maintenance, education, streetlights, etal.

[sheclown]

http://www.coj.net/City+Council/CC+Mtgs+Online.htm#Council

click on 9/14/10 near the bottom

Jeff speaks at 1:28:50 (the counter at the bottom) followed by council member's comments.

[sheclown]

In an odd turn of events, Jeff Waltz's house, 423 Walnut Court is up before the HPC this afternoon.

I only have questions.

[uptowngirl]

In an odd turn of events, Jeff Waltz's house, 423 Walnut Court is up before the HPC this afternoon.

I only have questions.

Up for what?

[strider]

I have heard that it was put on the agenda due to the press on the forums and at city council itself.  I am hoping that the HPC votes to rescind it's previous approval based on the comments about the real condition of this house.  Based on reading some interesting past HPC minutes, that is something they could do.  Not sure what effect it would have with code enforcement, but it most certainly would make people stand up and take notice.

[iloveionia]

Additionally, I have been told by Ms. Kimberly Scott that 1626 Ionia is not on the formal track for demolition now. "our division routed the case for a hearing.  We frequently rescind properties from formal bid, due to change in property/case status."

[nvrenuf]

Additionally, I have been told by Ms. Kimberly Scott that 1626 Ionia is not on the formal track for demolition now. "our division routed the case for a hearing.  We frequently rescind properties from formal bid, due to change in property/case status."

To further quote iloveionia "Boo-yah!!!"

[CS Foltz]

Could the tide be turning?? One can allways hope so!

[iloveionia]

CS:

Boo-yah!!!!!!!!! ;-) (LOL nvrenuf)
You bet!  Holy crap! We were listened to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am BEYOND estatic and thankful!!!

[CS Foltz]

Maybe there are more people reading this Forum than was thought? Either way, very very nice work and congrats to all involved.......something positive has taken place! Parden me while I go hoist a few in joy!

[Springfielder]

This is what it's all about, and it clearly shows that hard work and determination to do the right thing, pays off. I'm thrilled that 1626 Ionia is not on the formal track. What was the outcome for Walnut court?

[sheclown]

Jeff told his sad tale again tonight.  Eddie Johnson spoke on his behalf and stated that he would take on this project IF the rolling fines were forgiven. 

According to the HPC, there is no way to stop Jeff's demolition as it stands right now.  Once the house is given over to a demolition contractor to bid, the city is committed. 

Our commissioner, Lisa Simon, said "I don't believe that is true.  We've stopped demolitions plenty of times before if a new buyer is found...why would this be any different?  We have a man who is interested in this house, why can't we stop it?" 

As it was left, HPC asked that a letter be drafted to Code Enforcement asking for a stay until it can be decided if Jeff's house can pass to another owner without the burden of the liens.

I really don't believe anyone wants to see Jeff's house lost. 

[iloveionia]

We may have offered Jeff knowledge, love, and support in the beginning, but man oh man.  I am so proud of him and his fight for his house.  He is not letting up.  SOS made great leg way today by NOT letting up for these last months.  I hope the same proves true for him and his home on Walnut Court. 

It really is a team effort. 

[stjr]

According to the HPC, there is no way to stop Jeff's demolition as it stands right now.  Once the house is given over to a demolition contractor to bid, the city is committed.

Sheclown, it's silly to think the demo can't be stopped.  This isn't an act of God.  Could the solution be as easy as asking the demo contractor to voluntarily offer the City a chance to rescind the deal?  After all, if the demo contractor went out of business prior to the demo, the City would find a way to rescind the contract.  I would think the goodwill would make it worthwhile for the contractor and a demo job like this can't be that much money.

Another option would be, if the City could alleviate its liens, having someone redirect some small portion of the forgone alleged lien liabilities into an offer to the demo contractor as a "small token of appreciation" for their invested effort to secure the bid and then walk away from the job.  Win-win.

[sheclown]

stjr, I totally agree.