Mayor Chris Clark to loan Harvey over $25,000 to demolish Loomis Ave. residence after fire

Mayor Chris Clark announced he will provide an interest-free loan of more than $25,000 to the city to cover the cost of demolishing a burnt home on 152nd St. and Loomis Ave. 

A fire broke out at the residence in early January, torching the side of Reverend Alma West’s home. Now, it’s in sore need of repair to become habitable once more.

City administrator Corean Davis told Clark that they do not have the finances to fund the demolition in a timely manner and suggested other options, including applying for a grant and waiting on overdue property taxes to come in.

To ensure the demolition begins as soon as possible, Clark volunteered to supply the funds from his own bank account.

“I think it’s a good thing to do. I think it’s the right thing to do, and God put it on my heart to do it,” Clark said.

According to the mayor, demolition would cost an estimated $25,000 to $35,000 and said the city can reimburse him when financially able. There will be a ceremony where he will present the check to the city, he said.

The mayor’s offer received mixed reactions from the City Council. While the majority of the council praised the initiative, Ald.​​ Tracy Key (4th) expressed concerns over potential conflicts of interest.

“I don’t feel it’s good practice to have your name, any aldermen, or anybody in the city receiving any type of check,” Key said, also questioning spending of county grant dollars awarded to demolish abandoned buildings.

Ald. Colby Chapman (2nd) empathized with West and noted that many constituents in the 2nd Ward frequently ask for help with dilapidated properties. The city has the necessary funds but needs better financial management, she said, claiming the “one size fits all” approach does not work with equitable practices.

“On the Jan. 13 bills list, we sent about 42 people down to the MWRD, and that cost us $4,000. If [the demolition] costs us roughly $30,000 and $4,000 was allocated for one trip, that leaves $26,000 left,” Chapman said. “It’s not about us not having the money, it’s how we are allocating the money.”

The council approved an agenda item authorizing Clark’s move, 4-2, with Key and Chapman casting dissenting votes.

West’s son recently passed away, she said during public comment. She underwent major surgery in December 2024, followed by a two-week hospital stay. West was home for barely 10 days, she said, when the house next door caught on fire.

“Don’t tell me what the mayor can or can’t do,” she said. “God put it in [Clark’s] heart to do it,” West said. “He did not have to do it. Nobody else volunteered to help me do anything other than my insurance.”