Columbia will put the $521 bill for cleanup of an eyesore on the owner’s property taxes next year.
Building Inspector Lonnie Stringer said that was the cost they calculated for removing debris at 401 Eagle Day Ave.
Mayor Justin McKenzie said the property owners needed to be billed for the city’s efforts, and Ward 3 Alderwoman Anna Evans made a motion that was seconded by Ward 2 Alderman Jason Smith and the motion passed unanimously. Board members made it clear that property owners need to be held accountable for dilapidated properties and cleanups.
Aldermen and Stringer discussed 16 properties at the May 15 meeting and set hearings to order further action on some at the June 19 meeting.
518 Bullis St.: Agreed to have city crews tear the structure down after discussing getting quotes to have a contractor do it.
151 S. High School Ave.: Voted to clean and demolish the property after no one representing the owners attended a hearing.
603 Lumberton Road: Stringer said the owners are cleaning up several mobile homes at the rear of the property.
He also delivered some good news that properties located at 806 Beauvoir Ave., 913 Askew St. and 312 E. Rankin St. had been cleaned up. A property that includes a burned house at 1301 N. Park Ave. has been donated to the Church on Main.
The Board also set hearings for June 15 on mowing and cleaning of properties located at:
• 1212 Broad St.
• 704 Broad St.
• 704 Alberta Ave.
• 804 and 806 Church St.
• 607 Lafayette St.
• 1112 Maxwell St.
• 424 Dale St.
• 310 Hawkins Ave.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Columbia Board of Aldermen is set for 4 p.m. June 5 at City Hall.
