Keller enters into purchase agreement on nuisance property

A purchase agreement is in place between David Keller and owner Carol Wright on City of Grant nuisance property 844 Logan Ave. 

As far as his plans for the property, Keller said at the board of health meeting on Feb. 28 that he wanted to look at it first. He said he could either tear it down and build an investment home, or clean up and rehabilitate the existing home. 

At a board of health meeting on Jan. 30, City Engineer Brent Burkland informed the board that the home was not structurally sound. He said there are places in the floor that are very soft and one of the supporting beams is off. 

City Nuisance Officer CJ Poltack with West Central Nebraska Development District and Sheriff Jim Brueggeman said masks needed to be worn to enter the home due to rodent feces and other health concerns.

The home was padlocked and blocked with caution tape by order of the board of health in July. “No Trespassing” signs were attached to the property that read “Property Declared a Nuisance to the Health & Safety of the Citizens of the City of Grant”.  

Mayor Lisa Schmitt explained to Keller that once he purchases the property, it would still be considered a nuisance, and it would then be his responsibility to work with WCNDD to meet the guidelines of getting that rescinded. 

Poltack explained that should he choose to have the house demolished, he will need to get an asbestos inspection and possible abatement, and follow a set of safety guidelines. 

Keller signed a liability waiver to enter the home and did so last weekend. He will present his plan for the property at a meeting later this month. 

Others have also shown interest in purchasing the home. Doug and Sharon Tatum attended the Jan. 30 meeting to express interest in viewing and purchasing the property. Due to the health concerns and structural issues, the Perkins County Sheriff’s Office allowed them into the house after they signed a liability waiver drawn up by City Attorney Tawna Holmstedt.   

After continued issues with the property, health and safety concerns led the Nebraska State Board of Health to become involved last year. A hoarding clean-up company out of Denver, Steri-Clean, was contracted to clean out the home in November 2018.