Galena Property Dilemma

Demolition by Neglect?

That is the term used to describe a problem Galena has had for many decades.  Buildings and houses are left empty, decaying bit-by-bit until they are beyond repair.  They subsequently fall down or are demolished.

The real estate boom of the past several years coupled by the vacation rental allowance have created a housing crisis in Galena.  Instead of families, investors and corporations are purchasing homes that become vacation rentals or another property in somebody's inventory.  Little can be done so long as the properties are maintained and the rules are followed.

What if they are not maintained?  What if the house is empty, mold is growing on the side, varmints have taken up residence, and landscaping is just not cared for?  What recourse  do we have as Galena residents to address and remedy these situations?

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This house was within 2 years of falling into the ditch behind it before it was rescued.
How many houses are we willing to lose because we don't want to offend the homeowner?

Currently there is very little that can be done.  Residents can complain to the home owner or write a letter to city hall.  What can city hall do?  What will they do?

The City of Galena has the authority to enforce rules for the outside of the building, starting with repeated fines and ending with "imminent domain."  If they were to implement these rules, it would persuade the owners to either care for the structure or sell it to someone who will.  What about the inside?

We have many examples of houses with catastrophic damage to the inside, sometimes as a result of leaky roof or broken windows, sometimes due to animal and insect infestations.  There is no formal inspection of interiors unless the homes are undergoing renovations, so how do we get city officials inside these problem properties and give them the authority to do something?

If there is a home in your neighborhood that is being neglected, speak up!  Don't let time and elements destroy our historical properties.

Food for thought...