Commission approves MOU with Shenson, declares three properties emergency nuisances for demolition

The Harrison County Commission on Wednesday approved a memorandum of understanding with the city of Shenson that will allow emergency demolition of a severely unstable building at 720 Hood Avenue using Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) funds and declared three properties as emergency nuisance properties eligible for abatement.

County staff described 720 Hood Avenue as unstable and located adjacent to a roadway; officials said the building’s condition prompted the DEP to offer funding for demolition using ARPA dollars. County officials said the building currently blocks a major road in Shenson and presents a risk to a neighboring homeowner. The commission approved the MOU and declared 720 Hood Avenue, 4810 Mile Road (Wallace) and 573 Summit Park Avenue (Clarksburg) as emergency nuisance properties under the county’s nuisance/abatement ordinance. Commissioners noted the DEP funding may cover only one immediate demolition; they submitted the other two properties for DEP consideration.

Shenson Mayor Brandy Garner spoke in favor of quick action and described the public-safety and access issues the structure created. County staff said the DEP indicated it will not reopen lane access until the building is demolished and then will work with the county on bank stabilization and cleanup.

The motion passed unanimously. County officials directed the administrator to affix signatures to the MOU and proceed with the steps needed for DEP-funded demolition; they cautioned that only the Shenson property is guaranteed DEP funding at this time and the other two properties were being submitted for consideration.