Houses moved to city list to demolish
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on April 3, 2007 1:59 PM
Two dilapidated houses were condemned Monday when Chief Building Inspector Ed Cianfarra told Goldsboro City Council members that the homeowners failed to bring their properties up to minimum housing standards -- despite several warnings from his office to do so.
The dwellings, located at 703 Holly St. and 917 Devereaux St., have been deteriorating for some time now, he said, and are now beyond repair.
The house on Holly Street, owned by RBC Centura Bank of Rocky Mount, was originally inspected in September 2005. It was cited for fire and water damage, rotten wood, broken steps, mold, mildew and electrical problems.
The house then entered the three-phase minimum housing process, but Cianfarra said no rehabilitative efforts were made. So, at the request of council members, the Inspections Department sent another letter -- this one offering the owner more time to make the necessary repairs.
Inspectors, though, received no response.
"No action was taken on their part," he said. "At this point, the structure is dilapidated and not feasible for repair."
Inspectors offered more time to Angelina Litaker, too, he added. She owns the house on Devereaux Street. Originally inspected in September 2005, the home was cited for broken windows, rotting boxing and electrical problems.
"The owner did receive a letter and no action was taken," Cianfarra said.
City crews will now demolish both houses at the expense of the owners, he added. If it appears asbestos is present, charges for the removal of that material will be added, as will any back taxes owed on the property.
Title searches revealed that more than $1,100 in taxes were left unpaid on the Devereaux Street house and $189 is owed for the house on Holly Street.
Despite its policy to grant additional time to homeowners, the council voted unanimously to tear down the structures.