By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
A ramshackle, unoccupied house that’s been a thorn in the City of Decatur’s backside for some four years has been targeted for demolition – but don’t expect anything happening soon.
The house, located at 1034 Parkview Drive, was once on the list of the city’s flood buyout homes. Now, though, it’s still out there, owned by an unresponsive United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Curt Witte, superintendent of the city’s building and zoning department, which oversees enforcement of city codes, recently brought the structure dilemma before Decatur’s board of works and safety.
“We’ve been dealing with this house for a little over four years now,” he told the board.
City Attorney Anne Razo added: “All the while this property has been with the USDA and is in utter disrepair. And the neighbors are up in arms.”
“I’ve had many complaints on this,” Mayor Dan Rickord said. “Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do (in a short time).”
Witte explained that the home is now owned by Ruben Soto Jr. and his two sisters.
It was originally in the local flood buyout program, but a death in the family put a snag in that solution. Now, the USDA holds a mortgage on the property and has foreclosed on it.
“They’ve not made any contact with us,” Witte said of the USDA, even following a receipt of a certified mailing.
Attempts to get the family involved with determining a resolution have led nowhere.
So Witte asked for a demolition order and got the okay. A public hearing must be held first, though, and that will be done at the council’s second meeting in October.
If the city approves, then the family will have 30 days to demolish the property. If that gets no results, then the city will do so.
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