Demolition approved for Arlington Avenue building in Collinsville
by Randy Pierce • After the result of more than one inspection found it to be unsafe and/or blighted, a structure located near Collinsville at 3315 Arlington Avenue will be demolished in the near future, following the unanimous approval of the Madison County Board last week.
Located between Interstate 55/70 and Collinsville Road west of Black Lane in the incorporated area of Collinsville, the dwelling is one of those included on a demolition checklist developed by the county’s building and zoning staff after the appropriate title work, notifications and follow-up inspections, confirming that it is beyond repair and not suitable for occupancy, have been completed.
The county’s community development department will utilize its federal community development block grant fund to cover the expense of the demolition then a lien will be placed on the property in order to recover that cost at a future date when it may be purchased by a new owner.
Photos of the site provided to the county board by the building and zoning department show an older frame structure with furniture and other debris around the yard in front of it and a chain link fence on the outer perimeter.
The legislation approved by the county board indicates that the owner of the property failed to bring it into compliance with applicable standards and ordinances along with pointing out that state law authorizes the county to take such action regarding structures that are continuing hazards.
When introducing the resolution for the county board vote, its building and zoning committee chairman, Michael “Mick” Madison of Bethalto, explained that the owner of the property “did not disagree” with the demolition action.
