Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Council approves two condemnations

The Prescott City Council has condemned two local properties and councilmen have requested the city begin the process of a third.

Council members unanimously voted to condemn the property known as the Christopher Oil company on Rosston Road and a second property on Olive Street.

Jimmy Baditt Barrios addressed the council on behalf of the Christopher family.

Weve been working on the property, Barrios said.

When? asked Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor.

Taylor and others said they had seen little activity and no significant progress toward clearing the property.

Ill just ask for a little more time, Barrios said. He cited recent rains and a fire at his Texarkana home that has slowed work on the Prescott property. I know that you guys are looking for the best interests of the city. We ask for just a little bit more time.

Councilman Jerry Wilson said the city has been requesting the property be cleaned up for months, and made a motion that the council proceed with the condemnation.

The motion was immediately seconded, though the council agreed that they would recall the resolution if significant repairs were visible before the August council meeting.

Theyre going to have to be starting on that roof, Wilson said. Or else.

Barrios said there has been some vandalism at the property, adding that he believes the damage is the result of a hate crime. Councilmen didnt comment on that observation, but focused on the length of time the property has been vacant and in need of repair.

This is your last chance, Taylor said. Ten years is long enough.

The council first considered the condemnation early this year, but agreed to put it off until the July meeting in order to give Barrios time to begin work.

There were no objections to the Olive Street property condemnation.

City Attorney Glenn Vasser was asked to begin the process for condemning property on West Second Street. The house on that property burned several months ago and the charred rubble remains on the lot.