Joplin Building Board of Appeals Meeting – January 26, 2024

The Joplin Building Board of Appeals met on January 26, 2024, to hear progress reports, continuations, and dangerous building hearings for multiple properties. The board approved minutes, continued many items for progress, and ordered demolition for four properties after dangerous building hearings. Several property owners or representatives appeared to report on rehabilitation efforts.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting (motion by Mr. Duncan, second by Mr. Tucker).

Discussion Items

• Item 310 – 1116 South Jackson Ave (Patrick Stone, Stone Companies): Reported that work had been dormant for about eight weeks while finishing a house on Hill Street. Insulation and flooring begun; siding replacement and drywall hoped to be completed in four weeks. Board continued to February 23 for progress report.

• Item 3030 – 1010 East 20th Street (Alan Burt): Reported delays due to contractor scheduling, economy, interest rates, personal health issues, and vandalism. Windows had been broken multiple times. The building had been a shell for years due to a prior dispute with the city. Board debated whether to release the property. After discussion, the board voted to release it from the agenda (motion by Mr. Duncan, second by Mr. Wicklin). The city agreed that if windows are broken out again, the property will be brought back. The board asked the owner to board up any broken windows immediately.

• Item 3068 – 1518 South Sergeant Ave (David Williams): Owner had a permit and a walkthrough scheduled with a city inspector. Continued to February 23 for progress.

• Item 2985 – 130 South Moffitt (Star Morrison, Mercury Sky Investment): Owner closed on the property on January 12, pulled a permit, replaced three load-bearing walls, contracted plumbing, electrical, and roofing. Framing passed inspection that morning. Expected completion in 60 days. Continued to March 22 for progress.

• Item 3063 – 320 South Windfield (Donald Simmons): Owner purchased property two years ago; recently cleaned out trash and debris. Planned to rehab the structure for a daughter. Board recommended a walkthrough with the city. Continued to February 23.

• Item 3051 – 2131 Nashville (Amy Simon): Owner replaced front door, working on siding, contacted an electrician. Permit in place for windows but no electrical permit yet. Board recommended a walkthrough. Continued to February 23.

• Item 2990 – 801–805 West First Street (Sean Grindle): Owner waiting for financing after receiving bids; approved for historic tax credits. Expected to know financing status within 60 days. Continued to March 22.

• Item 3026, 3027, 3028 – 2611, 2617, 2621 South Pearl (Jeremy Brown, contractor; property owned by Pearl entity): Property had been released at the prior meeting but was brought back because the check for the building permit was not honored. Owner explained the check error, that he had COVID, and that the city had not transferred a piece of property needed for loan closing until the previous week. He stated he would pay the permit fee on Monday and had already spent $10,000 on materials and $3,000 on labor. Board continued to February 23.

• Item 3054 – 1624 West 4th Street (Fred Hobson): Potential buyer wants to purchase and rehab the fire-damaged house, not demolish it. He has an offer accepted, closing set for February 3. He plans to clean up, replace burned areas, and bring the property up to code. Board continued to February 23.

• Items 2986 & 2987 – 302 and 306½ South Connor (Levi Babb, Blue Shutter Investments): Owner reported HVAC contractor has a test scheduled February 12–15; once passed, permit can be obtained for 302. For 306½, permit already in hand but contractors not yet mobilized. Board continued to February 23.

• Item 3057 – 1209 South Iowa Ave (Felicia Carey, tax sale purchaser): Owner purchased delinquent taxes but does not yet have deed; consent to demolition was given. The board held a dangerous building hearing and ordered demolition (see below).

• Item 3056 – 217 South Pearl Avenue (Elizabeth Rodriguez for Isidro Ruiz): Owner removed bad sheetrock and plywood; waiting for electrician and better weather to rebuild porches. Continued to February 23.

• Item 3011 – 911 West B Street (Bill Offens): Plumber found worse floor condition; replaced kitchen floor; rough plumbing nearly finished. Framing inspection still pending from May. Permit expires today; owner requested extension. Continued to February 23.

• Item 3033 – 1010 West 3rd Street (Lance Leedford, Leadford Construction): Waiting on windows for one property; two other properties already ordered for demolition. Continued to February 23.

Dangerous Building Hearings

Four properties were subject to dangerous building hearings. The city presented evidence via inspectors and title work. No owners appeared (except Ms. Carey consented). The board declared each a dangerous building and ordered demolition.

• Item 3057 – 1209 South Iowa Ave: Fire-damaged, deemed non-rehabitable. Demolition ordered (motion by Mr. Wagner, second by Mr. Duncan).
• Item 3062 – 509 North Byers Ave: Dilapidated, roof failing, bricks falling, unsound. Demolition ordered (motion by Mr. Wagner, second by Mr. Brown).
• Item 3059 – 909 West A Street: Deteriorated, public nuisance. Demolition ordered (motion by Mr. Tucker, second by Mr. Wicklin).
• Item 3064 – 2411 West Highland Ave: Severely decayed floors, trash, open to unauthorized entry. Demolition ordered (motion by Mr. Tucker, second by Mr. Wicklin).

Other Items and Continuances

• Item 3002 – 301 South Windfield Ave: Permit in place; continued to February 23.
• Item 3039 – 810 West 17th Street: Permit in place; continued to February 23.
• Item 3060 – 1819 South Virginia: Demolition complete; board released the property.
• Item 3061 – 1826 South Pearl: Owner is hospitalized; family issues; continued to February 23.
• Item 3065 – 1032 South Sergeant: No progress; continued to February 23 (new business).
• Item 3066 – 2633 East 8th Street: No contact with owner; continued to February 23.
• Item 3067 – 219 North Pearl Ave: Fire-damaged; owner (Kevin Hunter, Green Cell US) may sell to a construction group; continued to February 23.

Key Outcomes

• Demolition orders: Four properties ordered demolished (1209 S Iowa, 509 N Byers, 909 W A St, 2411 W Highland).
• Release: Two properties released: 3030 (1010 E 20th St) from agenda; 3060 (1819 S Virginia) due to completed demolition.
• Continuances: All other items continued to either February 23 or March 22 for progress reports and potential demolition hearings.
• No permit fee waiver: The board clarified it has no authority to waive permit fees; only city council can do so, but such waivers are rare.