MASON CITY – A Mason City woman’s dilapidated house has been taken by the City with the help of a new state law and is now set for demolition.
The house at 412 3rd Street SW in Mason City has a history of unsightliness. Built in 1905, the property contains a single family structure that has been vacant and uninhabitable for several years, according to a City document, and is assessed at just $9,390. The City has been trying over that time to work with the former owner, Betty Everly, of this structure to repair this house. Repeated attempts under the City’s former housing code to encourage the owner were not successful, the City claims. Since the property had been vacant and uninhabitable for several years, the City’s attorney recommended action under Iowa Code Section 657A.10. This statute allows the District Court to award the City title to the property, free and clear of liens, taxes, and other encumbrances, if the Court agrees that the property is “abandoned” according to the definition in Section 657A.10. The City’s attorney thereafter filed a petition for judgment with the District Court on November 20, 2019.
On November 5, 2020, the District Court agreed that the property at 412 3rd Street SW is abandoned according to Iowa Code. The City is now the sole deed holder of the property. The Chief Building Official has determined that the house is potentially dangerous and that rehabilitation would not be cost-effective.
The City solicited bids and provided specification for prospective bidders on January 9 and received four bids, the lowest being from Navratil Excavating at a cost of $7,250. Upn City Council approval, which is being sought this coming Tuesday, the City will work out the finances to pay for the demolition out of the City’s $40,000 budget for demolition of vacant and uninhabitable properties.
Back in 2012, Everly was cited on February 29 for a disorderly property, accumulating junk and rubbish, at this location. A judge later found her guilty and ordered her to pay court costs and a fine totaling $185.00.
How about Russel Hardy’s nasty, dirty and junk he has at his supposely called office on Monroe??? This is totally discriminating against certain people. He is a slumloard!!! The city knows it, but does nothing about it and his properties! Somebody is receiving money under the table!
I can look out my window and see two houses that are in the same shape. One has had no one living in it for over three years as the furnace, water heater and sewers don’t work. The other one has the gutters falling off and holes in the roof. Four upstairs window are covered with cardboard. The foundation is also collapsing not to mention the yard full of weed and wasn’t mowed at all last year. There are more house up the street that are just as bad.
10 million Americans unemployed, and mr senile wants to let 15 million illegals into this country, go figure.
The city should buy a D9 CAT.
Go to the next council meeting and suggest that, nobody on this site cares.
They don’t want to hire the staff to run it.
WHY?
Employees are deemed to costly to the city, in my experience watching this City Hall.
Ya , they are almost as bad an insignificant little pissant that begged for & received $30,000 of taxpayer money.
That’s a pretty prominent and somewhat lengthy list of business owners in Mason City, a shame you could not find the means to join the winners on it. Maybe someday you won’t have to push carts for a living? We’re pullin’ for ya.
Yes indeed, there are some very successful business people in Mason City that provide excellent services & products.
They are a benefit to the community and employee many people. They give of their time and efforts for good causes and should be proud of their contributions.
On the other hand, for example, is a “so called business”
NIT that employs no one, never gives to the community, just takes from taxpayers and provides nothing of any value.
It is the pathetic effort of a pathetic little man.
Any person of integrity or honor would be ashamed to be associated with such a sham.
But Matt Markwart has no integrity or honor.
He’s just a little weasel and a pimple on the ass of society.
there will be more houses like this in the future.