Tree House's Future Up In The Air

As of Monday, the future of a controversial tree house behind a rental property at 207 N. Grove St. in Glenwood was still up in the air.

The multi-level tree house, which sits three stories off the ground, was built last summer and has been a topic of discussion for members of the city council and other city officials in recent weeks who are concerned that the structure is a safety hazard and was built in violation of the city’s land development ordinance.
Glenwood code enforcement officer Jim Webel said the structure appears to violate the code in regard to size, height, setbacks and materials used for construction.

Webel told city council members at their June 9 meeting that city attorney Matt Woods had studied the situation and advised that the occupant of the residence, Pam Jay, be given 21 days written notice to have the tree house removed.
The matter was tabled when council member Craig Florian said he would like to have further discussions with the city attorney about the matter.

Woods said he would not be available to attend this week’s council meeting (scheduled for Tuesday night), but the matter was expected to be discussed again by council members.

Webel said the property is owned by Sell Properties, but because Jay is the occupant at the residence, she’s the person responsible for the tree house.

Ryan Sell, speaking for Sell Properties, said he, too, wants the tree house taken down and is hopeful the city will take the necessary action to get it removed.

“We’ve worked hard to remove the structure with resistance from the tenant,” Sell said. “We are eager for the city council to move forward so this can come to a resolution. It is our opinion that the structure needs to be removed.”