By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
A deteriorating home in Decatur is becoming a major problem for the city, which may wind up being “stuck” with it.
At a recent meeting of the city’s board of works and safety, Building/Zoning Superintendent Curt Witte said his department – which oversees code enforcement – was negotiating with the owner to get something done about the unoccupied home at 113 N, Eighth St.
Before anything was resolved, however, the property was purchased by CONNEX, Inc., a company in Huntsville, Alabama.
The company claims it bought the home sight-unseen, had no idea of its condition, and now says it can’t afford to demolish it.
“I’m afraid we’re gonna to get stuck with it,” Witte told the board. “It’s going to be condemned soon.”
The structure is so close to an adjacent home that it may be a threat to that other building. And because of the close proximity, city employees can’t take it down.
So Witte obtained a couple of quotes – $18,961 and $38,900 – from demolition services to raze the building.
“We’ve got to do something with it. I don’t know how much longer it’s gonna stand,” Witte told the board.
The Alabama firm “has been very cordial,” Witte said, and informed him that they would never again purchase something sight-unseen.
It was decided to contact CONNEX officials, give them the quotes, and tell them something must be done or Decatur officials will begin the legal process which could eventually lead to fines of $100 a day.
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