The City of Birmingham’s Drug Nuisance Abatement Team Sues Owner of Three Five Points South Properties

From the City of Birmingham

November 5

Birmingham, AL — The City of Birmingham’s Office of the City Attorney has filed a lawsuit against LPOTP, LLC, seeking to have three properties in the Five Points South neighborhood declared public nuisances.

The lawsuit, filed Nov. 5 in Jefferson County Circuit Court, identifies properties at 1923 First Avenue South, 1922 Second Avenue South and 110 20th Street South.The city is asking the court to require the demolition of the structures at the owner’s expense and appoint a receiver to take control of the properties and address the hazardous conditions.

The lawsuit states the city notified the property owner of code violations in September 2025 and January 2026. Despite those notices and efforts to work with the owner, the properties remained unsecured, vacant and accessible to unauthorized occupants.

According to the court filing, Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service responded to fires at the properties over the past two years, including a fire inside the 1923 First Avenue South structure on March 23, 2026. The Birmingham Police Department also responded to numerous calls for service. Most recently, on Nov. 1, a man who had been shot retreated into one of the buildings, where officers found him deceased.

The city contends that the unsecured properties have created ongoing public safety risks for neighboring businesses and residents, prompting increased police patrols in the area.

The lawsuit asks the court to declare the properties public nuisances, order their demolition at the owner’s expense, appoint a receiver to take immediate possession and control of the properties, and award attorney’s fees.

In the spring of 2020, City Attorney Nicole King created the Drug Nuisance Abatement Team (DNAT), which uses the courts to hold property owners accountable for maintaining properties free of crime and blight. The team has successfully prevailed in multiple lawsuits and worked with property owners to create safer environments for residents and surrounding neighborhoods. Birmingham’s DNAT strategy has also served as a model for other municipalities.

To report a nuisance property, contact the Office of the City Attorney at problemproperty@birminghamal.gov or 205-254-6450, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.