The city of Akron filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the former owner of a house that a veteran purchased last year, only to see it demolished in February.
In the filing, the city says John Hufnagel should pay the $8,400 in asbestos abatement and demolition costs.
Lakewood resident Larry Modic bought the home on Manchester Road last year for $10,000. He said he was unaware there were pending housing violations associated with the residence when he made the purchase.
Hufnagel has said the house should not have been torn down and that it had obvious problems when Modic purchased it.
In a separate action, the city filed papers asking for summary judgment in a lawsuit that Modic filed that challenges the city’s housing demolition practices.
A hearing on that suit, filed by attorney Warner Mendenhall on behalf of Modic, is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. April 1 in Summit County Common Pleas Judge Paul Gallagher’s courtroom.
As part of that lawsuit, Modic also attempted to block the demolition of the house, but Gallagher ruled against him.
In an effort led by state Rep. Zack Milkovich, D-Akron, another home has been purchased for Modic in Akron through donations. Closing on that transaction is expected soon.
On Monday, the Akron City Council passed legislation requiring sellers to provide written notification of housing and zoning violations to a buyer.
The city on Monday released a residential disclosure form Hufhagel signed in early 2012 that indicated he was not aware of any violation of building or housing codes.
City spokeswoman Stephanie York said the property had code issues dating to 2003.
Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or at jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com.