IN THIS PODCAST: Bruce Taralson, Fargo City Inspections Administrator, joins It Takes 2.
Condemned house at 1410 1st Ave. South, Fargo Photo: KFGO News
Vacant apartment building, 2822 8th Street North, Fargo. Photo: KFGO News
The story from KFGO News:
FARGO (KFGO) – Fargo is stepping up enforcement of dangerous, vacant homes, and commercial buildings.
City Inspections Division Administrator Bruce Taralson, says his office is now handling at least five properties that are considered derelict. He says to expect “many more” hazardous building signs to go up, the first step taken to notify owners the structures will face condemnation unless brought up to code.
Taralson credits the tougher stance because of neighborhood associations getting involved, demanding action from the city. He says tracking down owners of some buildings is often difficult, drawing out the process. He says the houses are an eye sore, a safety concern, and sometimes draw squatters.
Of the houses and one commercial property now under the city microscope, there’s only one house the city may move forward with demolition, with the cost assessed to the property. It’s located at 1410 1st Avenue South. The other structures are in various stages of being sold or demolished by the owners. Taralson says late last week, police notified his office of yet another abandoned structure, an apartment building at 2822 8th Street North.
(Jack Sunday & Amy Iler are talk-show hosts at 790 AM KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. “It Takes 2 with Jack & Amy” can be heard weekdays 11am-2pm. Follow Amy on Twitter @AmyKFGO. Follow Jack on Twitter @nodakjack.)
