Subject:
Title
Demolition of the vacant property located at 3925 Mohr Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33714.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and authorization for Code Enforcement to initiate demolition of the unsafe and nuisance structure located at 3925 Mohr Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33714. The Special Magistrate has authorized and ordered the demolition of the property pursuant to Pinellas County Code of Ordinances Section 22-278.
• The subject property is vacant and has been condemned by the Housing Official, finding the property was unsafe and unfit for human habitation due to one or more of the following conditions: lack of connection to an approved water and electric source, overgrowth, dilapidated, insanitary, unsecured, vandalized, and or otherwise unsafe conditions at the property.
• The property is a known drug house with a history of disturbances, including drugs, battery, domestic disputes, overdoses, baker acts, and several others. The property has been the subject of 47 Code Enforcement cases, and approx. 875 calls for service to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office since 2018. The property currently stands as a nonconforming 11-unit apartment building within the Lealman CRA and is zoned for single-family use only.
• The Community Development Block Grant Fiscal Year 2024 Adopted Budget in the Housing and Community Development Department contains funding in an amount up to $50,000.00 to pay for demolition costs. Code Enforcement will pursue reimbursement through the lien foreclosure process.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, Coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure economy.
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.3 Catalyze redevelopment through planning and regulatory programs.
Summary:
The property sought to be demolished is located at 3925 Mohr Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33714, Parcel No. 03-31-16-98226-000-0080; located in unincorporated Pinellas County.
On or about July 20, 2023, the subject property was condemned by the Housing Official, finding the property was unsafe and unfit for human habitation due to one or more of the following conditions: lack of connection to an approved water and electric source, overgrowth, dilapidated, insanitary, unsecured, vandalized, and or otherwise unsafe conditions at the property.
On or about September 11, 2023, the subject property was brought before the Special Magistrate for the condition of the property, and the repeated violations of County Ordinances. The Magistrate ordered the property be brought into compliance within 30 days, or administrative fines would be assessed.
As of October 11, 2023, the property has been assessed with administrative fines for failure to come into compliance.
On or about February 12, 2024, the Special Magistrate authorized demolition of the property pursuant to Pinellas County Code of Ordinances Section 22-278.
The property to be demolished is vacant and a non-homestead property. No efforts have been made to remediate the condition of the property, and the liens are currently outstanding.
This authorization is for Approval of the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners to demolish the subject property pursuant to Pinellas County Code of Ordinances Section 22-278(b)(6).
Background Information:
Subject property is vacant and has been an ongoing concern and nuisance for the County and community since 2008. The property is a known drug house with a history of disturbances including drugs, battery, domestic disputes, overdoses, baker acts, and several others.
Case History:
Pinellas County Code Enforcement
• 47 Cases
• 6 LOV Citations
• 2 Special Magistrate Hearings (2020 and 2023) - Totaling $100,000 in Liens and Fines
• 6 Lot Clearings - Totaling over $12,000 in County Expenses
• 875 Calls for Service to Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office since 2018 to Present Date
• 50 Documented Reports by PCSO
Fiscal Impact:
No negative or direct fiscal impact to the General Fund.
Demolition funding has been secured through a federal grant.
Grant Type - Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”)
Estimated cost without asbestos abatement:
$25,000
Estimated cost with asbestos abatement:
$25,000 - $50,000
Cost recovery - A lien will be placed on the property and eligible for lien foreclosure. The County will later seek to foreclose on all hard cost expenses and applicable penalties. CDBG funds will be refunded through the lien foreclosure process.
Staff Member Responsible:
Jude Reazin - Pinellas County Housing Official - Code Enforcement Division Manager
Partners:
David Barrera - Pinellas County Attorney’s Office
Bruce Bussey - Pinellas County Housing and Community Development