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Sliding house tops agenda
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 10:14 AM PDT
NORTH BEND — City councilors could make a final decision tonight about when and whether to demolish a dangerous house above U.S. Highway 101 that has grieved North Bend for nearly two years.
Councilors will return to the discussion about the house located at 2505 Sheridan Ave., when they reopen a hearing to consider leveling the building on the slipping slope.
This time, they’re armed with recommendations from the Galli Group, a Grants Pass geotechnical consulting firm, to tear the house down and how to go about it. They’ll also read a letter from the property owner’s attorney, arguing the structure should be left as is.
According to a council order handed down in March, house owner Yesi Guirado must make the house safe or demolish it. Otherwise, the city would do it for him and likely place a lien against his property. He was given a Sept. 1 deadline to do the work.
In late August, the council granted Guirado an extension, allowing him time to meet with Eugene Hill, the owner of Sapphires Mongolian Grill, in mediation. Sapphires is located almost directly beneath the house and has since closed. Both men are suing each other, with the city as a party. The Sept. 4 mediation failed to make a difference, it appears, as court dates are set for April 1-9.
Guirado’s property became a concern for city staff in early 2007, when city employees told the council the land under the house was moving. They feared the building could come down, too. The hill has slid on and off since 2005.
The hearing will be held during the North Bend City Council’s regularly scheduled meeting at 7:30 p.m., in the council chambers at North Bend City Hall, 835 California St. |