[March 05, 2012]    

At the voting session of the Lincoln City Council tonight (Monday), the council is expected to vote on ordinance changes that will put more bite in the nuisance ordinance as well as enhance the definition of a dangerous building.  The vote will turn proposed changes over to city attorney Bill Bates for the official writing of the ordinances. Once the changes are completed, a second vote will take place to put the new ordinance into effect.

Last week as city building and safety officer John Lebegue was presenting the proposed changes, he went through a slide show with the council, showing them 12 abandoned houses in Lincoln that will be affected by the ordinance changes.

Below are a few of the homes Lebegue talked about.

Pictures by John Lebegue, building and safety officer

This home in the 1600 block of Broadway has no electricity, no plumbing, and the roof is falling in.  The home was occupied in this condition but has now been empty for about a year.

Across the street on Broadway is this home. Lebegue said the exterior looks as though it is covered with mold, but it is mildew. This house has been vacant for a few years.

 

This home in the 100 block of North Sherman is one of three in that block that are owned by one person. On the back there are areas of roof damage. In the summer there is a constant issue with the yard being grown up with weeds and grass.

This home is also located in the 100 block of  North Sherman. Lebegue said the house is abandoned, but last year in the spring the police had to be contacted, as two young people were living in the house without authorization.

 

This abandoned home in the 1500 block of North Kankakee has stood empty for at least two decades. Lebegue said neighbors have had to look at this for 20 years.

Located right next door is this building, which has also been abandoned for several years. Lebegue said both properties are owned by the same person. With multiple properties involved, fines against this property will be escalated.