City Council Moves Forward with Abatement Plans for Fire-Damaged Historic Hotel

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During the Susanville City Council meeting on December 18, City Manager Dan Newton provided an update on the St. Francis Hotel. This historic building on Main Street in Uptown Susanville was severely damaged by fire. At the Planning Commission meeting on December 10, an abatement order was approved for the owner to clean up the site. Newton mentioned that the property owner has 20 days to appeal this decision. If no action is taken by December 30, the city might proceed with the abatement using its resources, aiming to recover the costs involved.

Newton explained that the city would need to assess whether hazardous materials are present and profile the waste stream for disposal. They would then bid out the required work. The city does not yet know the total cost of the abatement process. Plans are in place to remove the K-rail next week to reopen the closed lane on Main Street, but the sidewalk will remain closed due to the ongoing safety risks posed by the building.