Decatur home labeled “a fire hazard”
By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
“Some people have criticized us for our code enforcement, but we do this to make things safe, presentable, to make the neighbors happy,” Decatur Mayor Dan Rickord said at the latest meeting of the city’s board of works and safety as code issues were brought before the board.
A prime example could be a home at 616 Marshall St. From the outside it looks good. Inside, however, is a different story.
“This thing is a fire hazard,” exclaimed Curt Witte, head of the building and zoning department which oversees code enforcement.
Witte read off a lengthy list of problems with the structure, noting that “someone did some remodeling without getting a building permit.” The home has been condemned.
Matt Dyer, a member of city council, pointed out that the home is on the for-sale market, with a listed price of $152,000.
A sign in front of the home says, “Star Real Estate.”
Witte said Fannie Mae is the owner.
Fannie Mae (the Federal National Mortgage Association or FNMA) is a government-sponsored enterprise established in 1938 to expand the liquidity of home mortgages by creating a secondary mortgage market.
As for a possible sale, Witte said, “With our information, I can’t let anybody move in there.”
Replying to a question about a possible next step, Witte said, “Basically, we’re just gonna sit on it. It’s condemned, so no one can do anything with it.”