I already reported on this Harris Street clean up yesterday

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I already reported on the house next to Eric Jackson yesterday.  Today, the City of Eureka sent out a press release and photos. The address has already been posted on social media.

I asked Director of Public Works Brian Gerving, who will pay for the costs of 965 W. Harris abatement?

"The costs of abatement will be billed to the property owner.  Assuming the bill goes unpaid, which is usually the case, the costs may recorded against the property as a lien or levied as a special assessment.  The former would be collected upon sale of the property, while the latter would be collected in the same manner as regular property taxes," said Mr. Gerving.

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"May 7, 2020 RE:  965 West Harris Street

On Wednesday, May 6, 2020, staff from the City of Eureka, including the Code Enforcement and Field Operations Divisions of Public Works and the Eureka Police Department’s Problem Oriented Policing unit (POP), took action to abate a problem property located on the 900 block of West Harris Street.

The property was the site of multiple severe violations of building and health and safety codes including hazardous electrical wiring, rodent infestation and the use of makeshift latrine facilities.  It has also been a source of repeated calls for service for drugs, disturbing the peace and other criminal complaints, resulting in over 144 calls for service in the last 12 months.

Despite multiple attempts by the City to resolve the problems at the site before performing the abatement, the property owner failed to take corrective action.  As a last resort, through a warrant issued by the Superior Court of Humboldt County, the residents were removed and the property cleaned and sealed against entry.  The owner of the property was provided temporary housing and connected with additional resources.

Approximately 80 yards of garbage and debris were removed during the cleanup, as well as derelict vehicles and RVs. The City would like to thank neighborhood residents for their patience and support as we continue to work to make Eureka safer and more livable for everyone. "

EPD Chief Watson also responded to a comment by Eric Jackson.

Chief Watson also left this comment on his Facebook page where he shared the press release.

It took time and extensive lead-up work to ensure all legal, required processes were followed and this abatement was done the right way, but as promised #TeamEureka got it done and delivered even in the middle of a global pandemic.  May it bring rest and peace to the neighborhood. 

~Chief Steve Watson

Yesterday's post:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/05/city-finally-stepped-up-boarding-up.html?m=1