More Delay in Demolition Appeal

After nearly two hours, the Kent Board of Zoning Appeals appeared no closer Monday to deciding the fate of a house set for demolition on Franklin Avenue.

The zoning board reconvened its April 15 meeting, which itself lasted several hours, Monday night to continue hearing the appeal of a demolition order for the house at 509 Franklin Ave.

Ravenna attorney Diana Prehn argued on behalf of the property owner, Caven McLoughlin, for the city to hold off on its plans to pursue demolition of the house so he could make repairs.

City building officials condemned the house in 2009 due in large part to damage caused by a fire at the property next door in 2007.

Click here for more information about why the house is on track for demolition.

"We are just asking this board to stay the demolition order so that my client has a long enough period of time to complete all the necessary repairs on this property," Prehn said.

But members of the zoning board were critical of McLoughlin's commitment to repair the property per city code and in a timely manner.

"This property does not seem to be a high priority for (McLoughlin) is the overall impression," zoning chairwoman Elizabeth Howard said.

After a 23-minute recess Prehn asked the board for a 60-day formal recess for reasons, she said, she couldn't give due to attorney-client privilege.

"Some information has been brought to my attention ... that may have a significant impact on your decision in the future," Prehn told the zoning board. "And hopefully we can have this matter resolved or give you a very easy resolution to this matter in a short time."

The zoning board agreed to the 60-day recess and will hear the issue again in July.