Joplin Board of Appeals Meeting - July 28, 2023

The Joplin Board of Appeals met on July 28, 2023, to consider multiple properties for demolition or continued progress. The board heard public testimony, reviewed building inspector reports, and conducted dangerous building hearings. Key decisions included ordering demolition of three properties (the former Chop Woman Hotel, 2617 South Pearl, 2119 East Manitou, and 1620 South Wall) and continuing many others pending progress.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting as amended, with a motion by Mr. Duncan and second by Mr. Windsor. All in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ed Coontz (neighbor): Spoke on items 3026, 3027, 3028 (Pearl Avenue properties). He expressed frustration that the project has been delayed for over three years, with little progress. He noted that the pre-fab apartment has been sitting for a year and a half, the property is not maintained, and homeless people enter. He urged the board to stop tabling the project and take action. He also mentioned that the city does not treat the tornado zone equally.
• Property owner (130 South Moffat): Addressed the board regarding item 2985. She explained delays due to divorce, theft, and personal issues. She requested a three-month extension, but the board continued it for one month. She expressed commitment to renovating the historic home.
• Aaron Gumpenberger (HDDA Joplin LLC): Represented the owner of the former Chop Woman Hotel (2615 South Rangeline). He discussed the demolition agreement and financing issues. He clarified that the owner would not pay demolition costs upfront if the city's CID pays. The board held a dangerous building hearing and ordered demolition.
• Lance Leedford (Left for Construction): Addressed items 3033, 3034, 3035 (1010 West Third, 302 and 304 South Gray). He provided updates on lot splits and planned demolition and rehabilitation.
• Bank representative (911 West B): Monitored item 3011. Reported that the contractor promised to start work, but no progress had been made.
• Woman (property owner): After her home was ordered demolished in a previous meeting, she complained about contractors trespassing and peeking in windows. She stated she lives in the home and will not leave. The board acknowledged her comments but noted the demolition order stands.

Discussion Items

• Item 3030 (1010 East 20th Street): Charles Burke Inc. reported that the building permit was obtained and windows are on order. Requested less frequent meetings. Board continued to September 22, 2023, for 60 days.
• Item 3002 (301 South Windfill): Property owner (via translator) reported roof and deck repairs, with two windows left. Board requested a schedule. Continued to August 25, 2023.
• Items 315/316 (117/121 South Byers): Dustin (ProX) reported structural and foundation work, failed inspection, and plans being drawn. Original completion date pushed back. Continued to August 25, 2023.
• Item 2985 (130 South Moffat): Owner detailed progress (demo, electrical work) and requested a three-month extension. Board denied three-month request, citing lack of communication, and continued to August 25, 2023, for progress report and demolition hearing.
• Items 3026, 3027, 3028 (Pearl Avenue): After public comment, the board held a dangerous building hearing for the house at 2617 South Pearl (item 3027) and ordered it demolished including the slab. The two vacant slabs (items 3026 and 3028) were continued to August 25, 2023, despite two nays.
• Item 3003 (129 South Patterson): Construction nearly complete; final inspection pending. Released from agenda.
• Item 3010 (1116 South Jackson): Rough-in electrical and plumbing done; waiting for inspections and window. Continued to August 25, 2023.
• Item 2913 (3615 South Rangeline): Dangerous building hearing held. Building inspector Jeff Oliver testified that the property is open, abandoned, and a fire hazard. Evidence of multiple fires and firefighters falling into a pool. Board declared it dangerous and ordered demolition including all outbuildings. The owner's representative discussed the demolition agreement; board proceeded with order.
• Items 2986/2987 (302 South Connor and 306 1/2 South Connor): Owner reported contractor abandonment and new contractor lined up. Permit not yet pulled. Continued to August 25, 2023.
• Items 3033, 3034, 3035 (1010 West Third, 302 and 304 South Gray): Owner reported lot split application and plans to demolish two structures and rehab the house. Continued to August 25, 2023.
• Item 3011 (911 West B): No progress; contractor failed to appear. Continued to August 25, 2023.
• Item 3042 (4002 Duquesne): Owner requested demolition permit; insurance proceeds available. Continued to August 25, 2023.
• Item 3014 (822 South Byers): Demolition completed. Released from agenda.
• Item 3038 (2119 East Manitou): Dangerous building hearing held. Property damaged by fire. Board declared dangerous and ordered demolition including outbuildings.
• Item 3040 (1620 South Wall): Dangerous building hearing held. Fire-damaged mobile home. Board declared dangerous and ordered demolition including outbuildings.
• Item 3039 (810 West 17th): Permit pulled; continued to August 25, 2023.
• Item 3041 (1101 South Jackson): Owner signed consent form; demolition pending. Released from agenda.
• Item 3043 (1202 South Murphy): First time on agenda; continued to August 25, 2023.
• Item 3044 (1209 South Jackson): Owner aware of need to demolish; continued to August 25, 2023.
• Item 3045 (715 West 32nd): Demolition completed. Released from agenda.
• Item 3046 (221 South Pearl): Fire-damaged; continued to August 25, 2023.
• Item 3047 (2701 West D): Garage with separate address; continued to August 25, 2023.
• Board Procedural Discussion: A board member raised a motion to require speakers to be on the agenda, but later retracted after clarification that the board already has discretion.

Key Outcomes

• Demolition Orders: The board declared four properties dangerous and ordered demolition:
  • Item 2913 (3615 South Rangeline) – motion by Mr. Wicklin, second by Mr. Brown, all in favor.
  • Item 3027 (2617 South Pearl) – motion by Mr. Duncan, second by Mr. Tucker, all in favor (including slab).
  • Item 3038 (2119 East Manitou) – motion by Mr. Wagner, second by Mr. Tucker, all in favor.
  • Item 3040 (1620 South Wall) – motion by Mr. Wagner, second by Mr. Duncan, all in favor.
• Releases from Agenda: Items 3003, 3014, 3041, and 3045 were released due to completion or pending demolition consent.
• Continues to August 25, 2023: Items 3002, 315/316, 2985, 3026, 3028, 3010, 2986/2987, 3033/34/35, 3011, 3042, 3039, 3043, 3044, 3046, 3047 were continued for progress reports and potential demolition hearings.
• Item 3030 continued to September 22, 2023 (60-day extension).
• Public Comment: Ed Coontz's concerns about the Pearl Avenue project were noted; the board acknowledged neighborhood frustration but proceeded with the demolition hearing for the house.