SF Home Demolished After Complaints

Sioux Falls, SD

Following numerous code violations, countless neighborhood complaints and more than two years, a rundown house on South Summit Avenue in Sioux Falls is finally coming down.

The City highlighted the demolition as an example of neighbors and officials working together to hold property owners accountable.

After years of dealing with this eyesore and the people living in it, Tuesday's demo is must watch for many neighbors on Summit Avenue and 13th Street.

"There was parties every night to the point that there was fights in the streets, sometimes with weapons, sometimes narcotics violations. Police was over here all the time, sometimes 2-3 times a day," neighbor Carole said.

Complaints ranged from house parties to inadequate child care, animal abuse and even people going to the bathroom outside. Neighbors knew something needed to be done, so someone sent a hand-written letter to the city. Mayor Mike Huether and the City of Sioux Falls made it a point to hold the property owners accountable.

"That stuff may happen in Chicago, it may happen in New York, it may happen in Miami, but it's not going to happen in Sioux Falls, SD," Huether said.

Kevin Smith with Sioux Falls Planning and Building Services says — from the first complaint to the final solution — the process took more than two years. But, he doesn't want residents to lose hope.

Today's demolition is proof that the city wants to help.

"No one should have to put up with this. No one should have to live next to properties like this and no matter what it takes, we will find a conclusion," Kevin Smith said.

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