Council adopts resolution to remove four dilapidated structures

The Roswell City Council on an affirmative vote adopted Resolution 25XX to require removal or demolition of four dilapidated properties that staff say have posed ongoing public‑safety and nuisance problems.

The resolution, introduced as “adoption of resolution 25XX” and described by a staff presenter as requiring “removal or demolition of 4 dilapidated structures,” passed after a motion and voice vote. Council members called the properties long‑vacant and said neighbors have reported crime and unsafe living conditions.

The presenter, Mister Franco (staff member), described each property in turn and said the city had notified owners and that some owners or contacts had made limited responses. He said one property is “a hoarding house, so it's completely closed up, like, floor to ceiling,” and that another had multiple people living there without water. A council member raised the idea — as a long‑term policy option — of asking the Legislature to consider stronger municipal authority (referred to in the meeting as “eminent domain” in the course of the discussion) to address absentee ownership of unsafe structures; staff did not present a new legal proposal at the meeting.

Council members asked staff about the city’s current demolition program, liens and costs. A council member urged clearer public notice of the city’s existing program for contractors and residents who might want to rehabilitate or rebuild on cleared lots; another asked staff and the city attorney to explore nuisance‑property enforcement tools and to consider demolition funding when preparing the upcoming budget.

The council recorded the motion, received verbal “Aye” votes and the chair stated, “Motion carries.” The adopted resolution text and timelines for demolition were not read into the record at the meeting and are recorded as not specified in staff remarks.

Council members and staff said several of the properties are in extremely poor condition and that demolition estimates are being prepared as the next step. Staff noted prior attempts to reach owners and that ownership changes have complicated enforcement in at least one case.

Councilors directed staff to pursue follow up on enforcement and budget options and to provide additional information at subsequent committee or council meetings.