BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham has sued the owner of three vacant properties in Five Points South, asking a judge to declare the buildings public nuisances and order their demolition at the owner’s expense, citing fires, repeated police calls and unsafe conditions.
The lawsuit, filed Nov. 5 in Jefferson County Circuit Court against LPOTP LLC, also seeks the appointment of a receiver to take immediate control of the properties and address hazardous conditions. The properties are at 1923 First Avenue South, 1922 Second Avenue South and 110 20th Street South.
In a separate motion filed Thursday, the city requested emergency court intervention, arguing that the properties remain a threat to nearby residents and businesses. The motion asks a judge to give a receiver immediate possession and control.
The city notified the owner of code violations in September 2025 and January 2026, according to a city statement published by ALPolitics. Despite those notices and efforts to work with the owner, the buildings remained vacant, unsecured and accessible to unauthorized occupants, the city alleges.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service responded to fires at the properties over the past two years, including a March 23 fire inside the building at 1923 First Avenue South, according to the city’s account of the lawsuit. Police also responded to numerous calls at the properties.
The complaint cites a Nov. 1 shooting in which a wounded man entered one of the buildings and was found dead by officers, according to reports by WBRC, WVTM 13 and ABC 33/40. The reports reviewed did not identify which of the three buildings he entered.
The city contends that conditions at the properties have created continuing safety risks for neighboring businesses and residents, prompting increased police patrols. In addition to demolition and the appointment of a receiver, Birmingham is seeking attorney fees.
The case is being pursued through the city attorney’s Drug Nuisance Abatement Team, which City Attorney Nicole King created in spring 2020 to use court action to address properties associated with crime and blight, according to the city’s statement.
The accounts reviewed Friday morning did not report a ruling on the city’s requests or include a response from LPOTP. The allegations remain the city’s claims, not findings by a judge.