Condo demolition on hold to bring site up to code

By Quan Truong

The Columbus Dispatch Saturday November 3, 2012 7:06 AM

WHITEHALL -- The city of Whitehall has agreed to hold off on pursuing the demolition of Woodcliff Condominiums if the property is brought up to code in the next 18 months.

City officials announced the settlement this week in a case that has been tied up in Franklin Countys environmental courts ever since the complex was declared a public nuisance in 2008.

Pressure from the city began after the property started falling into disrepair, with residents blaming the condo association, which in turn said it wasnt collecting enough in fees to keep up with maintenance.

In addition to bringing all units up to code, the condo association must also become fully funded with a reserve account and insurance, as well as reimburse the city of Whitehall for part of its attorney fees.

If the conditions are not met, Whitehall immediately will move forward with demolition requests, the citys attorneys said.

Earlier this year, about two dozen or so remaining residents protested outside City Hall against the demolitions.

qtruong@dispatch.com

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Condo demolition on hold to bring site up to code