Crystal is considering using its eminent domain authority to acquire the single-family home at 3317 Hampshire Ave. N. The city had posted the home as not habitable and ordered the occupants to leave on Aug. 9, 2007. (BILL JONES - SUN NEWSPAPERS)

Trash and junk accumulating inside and outside the property, along with evidence of water and sewer line breakage and visits from critters make one Crystal home a public nuisance, the city alleges.

The city wants to use its eminent domain authority to acquire the single-family home at 3317 Hampshire Ave. N. and eliminate the problems.

At a City Council meeting Sept. 16, Community Development Director Patrick Peters ran through a lengthy list of conditions at the house, which are so hazardous that the city won't let anyone inside without gloves and masks "at a minimum."

The city first became aware of the property last summer, when building officials performed an inspection of the home's foundation drainage system. They discovered evidence of a broken water line and could see and smell sewage in the basement.

Because of other signs of poor maintenance and deterioration, the city immediately posted the home as not habitable and ordered the occupants to leave within 24 hours on Aug. 9, 2007.

Subsequent inspections would reveal more "unsanitary and unhealthy conditions," a staff report stated. Peters said an environmental health specialist told him the house was "the worst I have ever seen."

According to Peters and a neighbor who appeared at the public hearing about the home, raccoons and other animals are entering the house.

The city sent letters to the owner notifying him of the violations and asking for a plan for remediation. The city estimates it would cost nearly $151,000 to make repairs and clean the house. However, a letter from Peters to the owner indicated the owner was unable to obtain assistance from his insurance company to help with the work, and the owner has told the city he would not otherwise have the means to afford the improvements.

The Sun-Post was not able to reach the homeowner for comment.

Peters said the city has met with the homeowner at least 14 times. The city has tried to buy the house - saying in May it would pay $20,000 for the property. Both parties have been unable to reach a settlement.

An independent appraisal of the home valued it at $70,000, and the city estimates it would cost more than $48,000 to clear the site.

Last October, the City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the use of eminent domain to acquire property in an effort to encourage owners to fix violations. The City Council will make a decision on whether to use eminent domain at its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

If the council does decide to proceed with eminent domain, it would file the condemnation order as soon as Oct. 22, go to court and could obtain a title to the property by early next year.

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If the council does decide to proceed with eminent domain, it would file the condemnation order as soon as Oct. 22, go to court and could obtain a title to the property by early next year.

Comment on this story at our website, www.mnsun.com.