The residential structure at 2718 E. 10th St. has been the target of City violations and community protests for years. The City obtained a recent order from the 18th Judicial District Court in Sedgwick County, to begin the cleanup in midmorning under the direction of the City’s Environmental Services Department. Trash and debris, including old tires, lawn mowers and construction materials, will be removed if no change in the property condition has taken place. The Office of Central Inspection will also be on site to evaluate the remaining structures.

“This decisive action by the City of Wichita should bring an end to a situation that has frustrated neighboring property owners and City officials alike,” said City Manager George Kolb. “Lessons learned from this experience will guide us to better strategies to solve similar problems around the city.”

Unable to gain access from municipal court, the City filed a nuisance abatement action against property owner Greg Gracey in District Court on Nov. 17, 2006. At a Dec. 18 hearing, District Court Judge Terry Pullman issued an order allowing the City to abate or remove the exterior sheds, debris and other trash. The order was stayed until Jan. 2, 2007, to allow Mr. Gracey time to get the property cleaned up. The Court also ordered Mr. Gracey to pay the actual costs of abatement. Initially, the City may place a $3,500 lien on the property. If Mr. Gracey fails to keep the property in compliance for a 12-month period, then the amount of lien may increase up to $10,000.

The City will spend approximately $233,000 for cleanup at over 300 private, residential and business properties that were identified in 2006. If the owner fails to repay the cleanup costs as billed, state and local laws permit the City to file special charges back to the property through a tax lien. In 2006, Environmental Services received almost 11,000 nuisance complaints from around the city.

A violation letter is sent to property owners giving them 10 days to remove or clean up the property. Only 50-60% of the violating property owners comply without some City intervention. More than 650 properties are taken to Municipal Court each year. Additional properties are now being considered for district court action.