Bay City commissioners on Nov. 3 approved the dangerous-building hearing officers order for 2000 Sixth Street and gave the owner a 60-day timeline to complete specified work.

The owner, who identified themself as Bridal Encosti, told the commission they have started work on the property, that the foundation work has begun, the structure is boarded and gated, and they are repairing the exterior. "We have started fixing the place. We have the foundation started. It's all boarded up. It's gated off, and hopefully it'll be done by the next 2 weeks," Encosti said during the public hearing. The owner later estimated full exterior completion would take roughly four to five months but confirmed they could show substantial progress within the 60-day window.

City staff told the commission that although the owner has begun work, the property had missed previous deadlines ordered by the dangerous-building hearing officer. Staff said the permit was issued on Sept. 11 and that a footing inspection has been completed, but other elements identified in the hearing officers order remain outstanding. Because the property has a long history of noncompliance dating back several years, staff said the city would continue the enforcement process while giving the owner an opportunity to complete the repairs.

Under the approved order the owner has 60 days to complete the foundation and exterior window work identified in the hearing officers order; staff said that if the owner does not show progress or fails to complete the work, the city may proceed with demolition or other measures at the owners expense.

Commissioners discussed the timetable and sought assurances about progress. Several commissioners said they wanted continued momentum on the work, and one commissioner moved to defer for one week to allow additional progress to be shown; that motion failed for lack of a second. The commission then voted to adopt the hearing officers order, with staff continuing to monitor and work with the owner on compliance.

The commissions action is intended to keep pressure on completion while allowing the owner a defined period to finish repairs and avoid city abatement actions.