Du Quoin Law Is New Tool to Deal With Distressed Properties

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[You know the properties we're talking about--empty gas stations and gas marts, your neighbor's garage that's about to fall over, the house that's not condemnable but not worth living in either.

They are all the focus of a new law that amends the city's property maintenance ordinances to address the repair of distressed and dilapidated buildings.

Ordinance 2011-O08-01 amends Chapter 29 Article 9 and addresses properties not yet ready for condemnation--but close. It provides a system of warnings, then citations and fines to property owners who won't take care of these eyesores.

The council met Monday in regular session and conducted the following business.

The council discussed Ordinance 2011-O08-02, an ordinance amending the curfew hours for City of Du Quoin Park areas

The council approved Resolution 2011-R08-02, a resolution authorizing an Economic Development Administration grant application for a new above ground water storage facility in the city's industrial park in St. John's The grant would be for in excess of $500,000, but the grant would have a local match in excess of $300,000. While commissioners are concerned about coming up with another match for a grant, this application has only a 50-50 chance of winning approval. The council will address the issue of finding the money to match the grant if and when it is approved.

The council approved an agreement between the city and JT Blankinship for engineering services provided for the design, construction, and project oversight on the water line replacement on Washington Street.

The plan calls for construction of a new 8-inch water line between East Main Street on the north and Grant Way on the south. The total project is valued at over $800,000 and the engineering costs will approach $120,000.

Voted to proceed with the condemnation of property located at 510 E. Cole Street (The Gemill Dairy property) which was heavily damaged by fire. The property is owned by Max Voyles, who shows no indication of rehabilitating the property.

The council has approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Du Quoin and South Central Transit for emergency transportation purposes in the event of a disaster.

The council discussed and consider issues related to real estate and the Pizza Hut Alley widening project.