Leeds Council Condemns Property, Approves Memorial Park Upgrades 2026

Key Points

• Leeds City Council unanimously condemned a derelict apartment complex at 970 Montevallo Road following a work session and regular meeting on Monday night.
• Councilman Cary Kennedy raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the property, with inspectors showing images of collapsed roofs and unstable floors.
• The council approved a $1.3 million budget amendment to fund major improvements at Leeds Memorial Park, including new lighting, concrete walkways, and an additional field.
• Mayor Eddie Moore described the park upgrades as a “total 180” from past conditions, extending from the flagpole area to the forest edge.
• During public comments, tattooist David Strickland urged the city to permit a tattoo shop in Leeds, citing economic benefits; the mayor said the request would be considered for future discussion.
• The condemnation and park improvements were part of the same council session, with procedural questions raised about ordinance sign placement responsibilities.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) July 29, 2026 — A derelict apartment property on Montevallo Road in Leeds was condemned by the city council at a meeting on Monday night where they also approved improvements to the Leeds Memorial Park.

The decision marks a significant step in addressing long-standing blight in the area while simultaneously investing in community recreation infrastructure. Council members acted unanimously to condemn the property at 970 Montevallo Road after hearing detailed reports from city inspectors and discussing the deteriorating conditions that have plagued the site for years.

What led to the condemnation of the Montevallo Road property?

Discussion began in the work session of the property located on 970 Montevallo Road. Councilman Cary Kennedy said that the area housing multiple apartment structures has become a nuisance overtime due to apparent neglect in their upkeep, according to reporting from the Leeds Tribune.

Over the years the units have degraded, with roofs collapsing and floors becoming unstable. Pictures taken by inspectors were shown depicting the state of the buildings.

As reported by the Tribune’s correspondent covering the council meeting, Kennedy emphasised the severity of the situation, noting that the property had reached a point where it posed both aesthetic and safety concerns for neighbouring residents.

The visual evidence presented during the session left little room for debate about the necessity of condemnation proceedings.

Why did council members debate ordinance sign procedures?

Discussion then began for some time about the process of ordering ordinance signs, with Kennedy raising concerns about who in the city government has the duty to place orders.

“I don’t know what’s going on but I think we have more important things to do than worry about these ordinance signs, personally,”

he said.

“That’s my opinion. The community, they like the changes they see. I think we have to prioritise our duties.”

Mayor Eddie Moore said that the issue was “fixable” and that it would be addressed, according to the Tribune’s account of the proceedings.

The exchange highlighted ongoing administrative questions about municipal responsibilities and workflow priorities within Leeds city government.

How did the council vote on the condemnation?

During the regular meeting the property was unanimously condemned. The vote brought the work session discussion to a formal conclusion, giving the city legal authority to proceed with whatever remediation or demolition steps may be required to address the blighted property.

The unanimous nature of the vote suggests broad consensus among council members about the severity of the situation at 970 Montevallo Road.

What improvements are planned for Leeds Memorial Park?

Additionally, the council voted to amend the budget to fit in improvements for the Leeds Memorial Park. Moore explained that these include lighting, concrete on a walkway where there is currently gravel and an additional field, as reported by the Tribune.

The soccer and flag football fields will have additional lighting. An architectural circle will be placed around the flagpole and will also have lighting, he said.

“It should be a total 180 on what we’ve had in the past,” Moore commented.

“From the flag all the way to the forest.”

According to the resolution that can be found online via the city’s meeting records, the amount was $1,300,000 from the Capital Improvements budget line to the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvements budget line. This substantial investment represents one of the larger single allocations to park infrastructure in recent Leeds council history.

How much funding was allocated for the park renovations?

The budget amendment transferred $1.3 million specifically earmarked for capital improvements into the Parks and Recreation department’s capital improvements account.

This funding mechanism allows the city to undertake major infrastructure upgrades without affecting other operational budget lines.

The allocation covers all aspects of the planned improvements, from electrical work for the new lighting systems to materials and labour for the concrete walkway construction.

What features will the upgraded Memorial Park include?

The improvements package encompasses multiple enhancements designed to modernise the park and improve user experience. The new lighting systems for the soccer and flag football fields will extend usable hours for athletes and reduce safety concerns during evening activities.

The concrete walkway replacement addresses long-standing complaints about the gravel path, which has been difficult to navigate for visitors with mobility challenges and creates maintenance issues during wet weather.

The architectural circle around the flagpole, complete with dedicated lighting, will create a more prominent and dignified presentation for what Mayor Moore has previously described as a central symbol of the community.

The addition of a new field expands the park’s capacity to host multiple sporting events simultaneously, addressing growing demand from local youth leagues and recreational groups.

What did residents say during public comments?

Several spoke during public comments, among them was tattooist David Strickland, who advocated that the city allow him to open a tattoo shop, arguing that it can benefit Leeds economically.

Moore said that the request will be considered for discussion in the future, according to the Tribune’s reporting on the public comment period.

Strickland’s presentation highlighted the potential economic development opportunities that could come from diversifying the types of businesses permitted to operate within Leeds city limits.

His argument centred on the notion that tattoo shops, when properly regulated, can become destination businesses that attract customers from surrounding areas and contribute to local tax revenues.

What happens next for the condemned property?

Following the condemnation vote, city staff will need to determine the appropriate next steps for the Montevallo Road property.

This may involve working with the property owner to develop a remediation plan, or if no satisfactory plan emerges, the city may need to pursue more aggressive measures including demolition.

The condemnation gives the city significant leverage in these negotiations, though the ultimate resolution will depend on cooperation from property owners and available municipal resources.

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When will the Memorial Park improvements begin?

While the Tribune’s reporting did not specify an exact timeline for the commencement of Memorial Park improvements, the budget amendment approval represents the final major hurdle before work can begin. With funding now formally allocated, city staff can proceed with contracting and scheduling the various components of the renovation project.

Mayor Moore’s comments about the scope of improvements suggest an ambitious timeline, though weather and contractor availability will ultimately determine when residents can expect to see the upgraded facilities.

The dual focus of Monday night’s meeting—addressing blight while investing in community assets—reflects the balancing act that municipal governments must perform.

The condemnation of the Montevallo Road property removes a long-standing eyesore and potential safety hazard, while the Memorial Park improvements promise to enhance quality of life for Leeds residents for years to come.