NEWMAN — The Newman City Council declared a long-neglected property on Main Street a public nuisance, taking formal steps to address what officials described as unsafe and unsightly conditions that have persisted for years.

In a unanimous vote during its July 22 meeting, the council adopted the resolution, officially designating the property at 1414 Main Street as a public nuisance under Ordinance No. 95-4. The action follows months of attempted contact with the property owner and a formal notice to abate issued in June.

City staff cited a range of violations at the site, including a partially broken wooden floor, exposed basement, broken fencing, overgrown vegetation and accumulated rubbish. Officials said the deteriorating conditions posed a hazard to public health and safety and were out of harmony with the surrounding neighborhood.

“This property has become a visible eyesore and a safety concern,” city staff wrote in their report. “Its condition is detrimental to the welfare of the community and violates the standards set forth in our municipal code.”

The property, owned by Jaime Jesus Aranda, was identified in a compliance survey conducted July 21. According to the city, no corrective action had been taken prior to the public hearing. However, Aranda has since contacted city officials and stated that he intends to repair the damaged floor and install a chain link fence to secure the site.

While the front of the building facing Main Street is currently closed off by a well-maintained fence, city staff noted that the rear of the property, accessible from the alley, remained open and unsecured at the time of inspection.

Under Newman Municipal Code §8.02.030, property owners are prohibited from maintaining premises in a condition detrimental to public health, safety or general welfare. The city’s ordinance allows for abatement costs to be recovered through a lien placed on the property. Staff confirmed that any expenses incurred during cleanup will be added to the next municipal tax roll.

“This is about protecting the integrity of our neighborhoods,” staff said. “We’re committed to ensuring that all properties meet basic standards of safety and appearance.”

No objections were raised during the public hearing.