Title
Release of Lien Affecting 512 NW 26th Avenue, Tax Parcel #08481-003-000 (B)
This item requests that the City Commission release the above-referenced property from the lien arising from costs incurred by the City of Gainesville to abate a violation.
Explanation
The City of Gainesville received a request on behalf of Alachua Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) requesting the city release a lien on a property Habitat holds title to located at 512 NW 26th Avenue. Habitat’s title originated from Santa Fe College Foundation’s conveyance of the property to Habitat to begin construction of a home for a Gainesville family.
The City of Gainesville has a Claim of Lien against the property due to the city’s administrative abatement of a city ordinance violation against a prior owner. In this case, the city demolished and removed the remains of a fire damaged structure. The owner was billed the cost of the abatement that went unpaid and resulted in a $772 lien which is the cost incurred by the city to correct the violation. This lien differs from a lien resulting from Code Enforcement Board levied fines in that it is an attempt to recover actual costs for the abatement of a violation by the city.
Generally the release of administrative liens is not recommended for approval by staff as they are real costs incurred by the city to abate a hazardous condition on private property. However, in some cases the release may be appropriate due to the benefit gained through the release such as with this request which will provide affordable housing and add value to a property that has been vacant.
Fiscal Note
If the request for release of lien is approved, staff will prepare the required paperwork and facilitate the release of lien at no additional cost to the City.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the request from Alachua Habit for Humanity for the release of lien on 512 NW 26th Avenue, tax parcel #08481-003-000; 2) direct staff to prepare the release o...
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