Javis Sims inherited his childhood home in Boynton Beach after his mother died in 2009. (Photo: WPTV)
A Boynton Beach, Florida, man who inherited his childhood home in 2009 says he is running out of time to save the property after the city moved forward with the demolition process. Sims inherited the property after his mother died in 2009. Sims says he has spent thousands trying to restore the property as code fines topped $700,000. (Photo: WPTV) Sims acknowledges that navigating the city’s permitting and inspection process has been a learning experience. The city says the unsafe and uninhabitable property must now move toward demolition. (Photo: WPTV) In a statement to WPTV, the city of Boynton Beach said the property has been vacant since approximately 2009 and was officially declared unsafe and uninhabitable in November 2022.
Because of code enforcement issues and that fines had accumulated to more than $700,000, during WPTV’s ‘Let’s Hear It’ community event, Sims said he had been unable to live in the property. Because of those conditions, the city said it is required under Florida law to move forward with demolition. The city also confirmed that an asbestos inspection required before demolition has been completed after officials obtained a court-authorized inspection warrant.
Javis Sims says he was caught off guard when he recently returned to the house and found a new notice posted on the front door indicating that the city of Boynton Beach Building Division had verified that utilities at the property had been disconnected. The notice is the first documentation he has seen indicating that demolition could be imminent, according to Sims. Despite its condition, Sims says his intention has always been to restore the home rather than abandon it. “I have it all right here in writing, everything that I issued to the city… everything that they asked me to do,” Sims said. Sims showed WPTV reporter Vannia Joseph stacks of paperwork that he says document years of communication with city officials. He says he has spent thousands of dollars attempting to move the restoration project forward, although the work never reached the construction stage. “They made me produce bank statements and everything,” Sims said. He said he was not always aware of the inspection requirements at every stage but maintains that he made a good-faith effort to comply with the city’s demands. I just need help,” Sims said. “The only thing I’ve been getting from the city is the runaround… this is the only time I hear from the city, when they make their next move,” Sims said. City officials said they had worked with Sims for nearly three years, issuing notices, granting extensions and providing guidance on what was required to bring the property into compliance. Efforts were made to pursue rehabilitation, but required repairs were not completed, according to the city. Previously issued permits also expired without inspections or construction activity, officials said. The city further said it requested documentation showing that Sims had a viable and funded plan to complete the rehabilitation but did not receive sufficient information within the deadlines provided. Officials said the property presents several safety concerns, including structural instability, roof failure, compromised walls and exposed electrical wiring. The city also said the conditions could pose risks to neighbors and first responders. Multiple alternatives to demolition were explored, but demolition is now the only option remaining to protect public safety, according to city officials. “Every time I do something, I had to have an inspection… when I tried to get permits, they wouldn’t be issued,” he said. Sims said attorneys contacted him after WPTV first aired his story and offered to help him navigate the situation. “I’m hoping something comes of this before the house comes down,” Sims said.
The records include permits, contractor estimates and financial documents. “You tell me to put grass in the yard at a house that’s not livable, no water. I do that. It’s just an ongoing process. He also described his interactions with the city as frustrating. Despite the city’s position, Sims believes the property can still be rehabilitated if he is given an opportunity to complete the necessary repairs. Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
The house has remained vacant since then and has deteriorated over the years. He hopes their involvement could lead to a solution before the city demolishes the property.
