Public Safety Activity on North 7th Street

Update: ADMINISTRATIVE SEARCH ENDS ON NORTH 7th STREET

This afternoon, the DeKalb County Circuit Court found that the property at 509 N. 7th Street to be hazardous and uninhabitable.

The Court ordered that the property be secured. The conditions in the house are not believed to present a threat to the general public at this time, but no person is permitted to enter the property without the City’s prior approval.

This information comes after an administrative search of the property was performed by City of DeKalb staff and assisting entities. The search was prompted by concerns reported about the safety of the property.

The City will be working with the owner of the house to determine the best way to restore the property to a safe condition. The property’s resident was cooperative and City personnel and its support entities finished the search around noon.

The City of DeKalb is currently executing an administrative search in the 500 block of North 7th Street. The presence of emergency personnel in the vicinity of this property is required due to the nature of this search.

The City recently became aware of potential safety hazards at the property. Upon notice of these issues, the DeKalb County Circuit Court authorized the City to enter the property to allow City safety personnel to inspect and secure the area and assess the conditions present. The City is coordinating that inspection with the affected resident(s) to ensure their continuing well-being.

The search is being completed in order to protect the well-being of property owners, residents and others within the vicinity of North 7th Street and Fisk Avenue.

Once City officials more fully understand the scope of the issues found on the property, more information will be made available.