Title
Granting a stay of enforcement of RLH RR 23-31, ordering the demolition for 455 ROBERT STREET SOUTH, to Tom Radio, representing Allstate BK Real Estate Holdings, Ltd., pending compliance with specified conditions.
Body
WHEREAS, on October 23, 2024, the Saint Paul City Council adopted Council File RLH RR 23-31, which ordered the removal of 455 Robert Street South within 15 days; and
WHEREAS, following the Council decision on the matter a request was made by Tom Radio, attorney representing Allstate BK Real Estate Holdings, Ltd, to review this case again and consider granting a stay of enforcement as there was a signed purchase agreement for potential purchase of the property for rehabilitation; and
WHEREAS, letters to owner and interested parties were sent indicating the criteria against which the request for a stay of enforcement, which included,
1. apply for a Team inspection with the Department of Safety & Inspections, including lock box code and box must be attached to door for use;
2. post a $5,000 performance deposit with the Department of Safety & Inspections (DSI);
3. submit transfer loan agreement and will need to be approved by the Legislative Hearing Officer. Title of the property cannot transfer until the rehabilitation is complete;
4. submit evidence of financing sufficient to complete the rehabilitation. Staff estimates cost $50,000. If total for bids are more than 20% less than staff estimate, a high level of detail will be required. Financing could be business or personal accounts, a line of credit, or construction loan. Other types of financing will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis;
5. submit an affidavit indicating the finances will be dedicated to completing the project and not diverted until a code compliance certificate is issued;
6. submit work plan, sworn construction statement, or scope of work. This should include subcontractor bids and a schedule for completion of the project; and
7. the property must be maintained.
WHEREAS, the City Council referred the matter back to Legislative Hearing under RLH RR 24-55 to review this case again and to consider the possible of a stay of enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the Legislative Hearing Officer conducted hearings on February 11, 2025 and March 11, 2025 under SR 25-9 to review this request; and
WHEREAS, the Legislative Hearing Officer recommends the Council deny the request for a stay of Council File RLH RR 23-31 ordering the repair of the structure, correct all the deficiencies listed in the Order to Abate Nuisance Building and the Team Inspection Report and to make the structures and code compliant, or shall raze and remove the structures within 15 days after the City Council Public Hearing; Now, Therefore, Be It,
RESOLVED, that if the necessary corrective action has not been taken within the time allotted, the City Council may be authorized to take those steps necessary to raze and remove this structure and to charge the costs incurred in accordance with Saint Paul Legislative Code §45.12(4). Any personal property or fixtures of any kind shall be removed by the owners, interested parties or responsible parties prior to the resolution compliance date or it will be considered to be abandoned, and the City of Saint Paul shall remove and dispose of such property as it deems appropriate; And, Be It
FINALLY RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be served on any of the parties required to be notified in Saint Paul Legislative Code §45.12(4).