Man pleads for his home.

[nvrenuf]

If I heard correctly, Jeff's house was included in a bundled bid and the demo contractor wasn't excited to find out it was in their bundle. I think they would prefer NOT to demo.

[KuroiKetsunoHana]

i'm not surprised--even leaving all other considerations aside for a moment, it can't be terribly fun to demolish something tucked back in the corner like walnut ct.

[ChriswUfGator]

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."

She is certainly singing a different tune this week compared to last week. I am so happy to see all of these unnecessary demolitions ceasing. Walnut street needs to be saved, 4 or 5 different GCs/CBCs  looked at that house and said there was nothing wrong with it. It is a travesty that it was bid out for demolition in the first place, and given the evidence that has now been collected after code enforcement deemed it a hazard to public safety when there were clearly no major structural problems, I would think COJ might be worried about potential liability to the owner for demolishing his house for no reason. If the city screwed up and ordered a sound house demolished then they need to suck it up and pay their contractor whatever the liquidated damages provision is and move on rather than continuing to insist on the needless and wrongful demolition of a sound structure. That's not the property's fault.  

[CS Foltz]

chris..............have you given any thought about going into real estate law? Not many are listed in the yellow pages and that seems to be a growing thing?

[ChriswUfGator]

chris..............have you given any thought about going into real estate law? Not many are listed in the yellow pages and that seems to be a growing thing?

I gotta wait until they clear me for c&f and I'm sworn in before I can practice anything. I was in the real estate biz before I went back to school, though, and certainly know enough about it to hit the ground running if/when they finally let me join the club. I hadn't given it much thought, with the economy and real estate market the way it currently is that didn't exactly seem like the best business plan. But I wouldn't mind it. These needless demolitions of historic structures infuriate me, I wouldn't mind that at all.

[sheclown]

Oh, the many lessons you can learn from owning real estate in Springfield.  It can be a life-altering experience.

[CS Foltz]

Oh, the many lessons you can learn from owning real estate in Springfield.  It can be a life-altering experience.

Gee Willikers sheclown...........I did not realize you could be so sarcastic

[CS Foltz]

chris...........it was just a thought! I do know one and he handles something like 50 to 60 cases in a 90 day period! At something like $3,500 a case to start it would add up quickly if your interested in the money end! Just a thought.....maybe some other specialty appeals to you, I know there is a whole heap load out there!

[ChriswUfGator]

Oh, the many lessons you can learn from owning real estate in Springfield.  It can be a life-altering experience.

Gee Willikers sheclown...........I did not realize you could be so sarcastic

She's not being sarcastic, CS.

[sheclown]

Having a bull's eye painted on your butt makes you change your world view very quickly.

And I don't know if that is a bad thing.  It just is....transforming.

Chris could tell you all about that, so could Stephen, & certainly, Joe.

It is what it is.  That which does not kill you truly makes you ...wiser.

[CS Foltz]

chris.......I know sheclown fairly well and my comment was tongue in cheek! I know all about the problems she has had with Code and SPAR Council..............their loss, Springfields gain! Because of her efforts and alot of others, they have made progress in saving the historical fabric of Springfield! This to me is the kind of effort that all communties need to do, when City Hall and their agencies do not take heed to the public outcry of wrong! If sheclown did not step up who else would...........Aunt Eullabell? You do realize that last sentence is tongue in cheek also right? Coffe on me, next time our paths cross at Three Layers......I will be there Tuesday night, Rick Mullaney is going to be there and I want to discuss his stance on Ethics........feel free to participate since I know dog gone good and well you have ethics!

[sheclown]

Rick Mullaney is going to 3 Layers on Tuesday night?

Is he playing Trivia?

[sheclown]

It has been almost a month and Jeff's house is still standing.  And that is good news.

Jeff has fought like a man in love.

He has attended two city council meetings and one HPC meeting, each time making impassioned pleas to save his house.  He has met with city officials and contacted code enforcement officials.  He is on a first-name basis with the demolition contractor.

He has listed it on Craig's list as a free give-away several times, he has met with realtors and prospective "buyers."  It is the subject of many facebook communications.  It is highlighted on this forum.

So, here we are...

He has a well-respected contractor who will take the property, (Jeff will give it to him for free), if the city will waive the nuisance liens and the $250 per day rolling fines (which add up to 255,000).  

The city has a demo contractor who will release the city from its contractual obligation if the city will not penalize the demo contractor.

We have Jeff who is willing to give up his house for no personal gain.

We have a preservation organization who has sat next to Jeff at public meetings, made phone calls, begged, pleaded, bargained on his behalf.

We have artists who have painted some love on his house.

We have neighbors who have been on High Bulldozer Alert.

And here we are.

It could be an interesting week.



Let's save this house....it's the right thing to do.

[Springfielder]

I thought Jack Webb called for a notice meeting....what happened...did he not follow through with it

[iloveionia]

What a powerful message the city will send to the community in support of preservation if this home is spared.