Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Demolition 413 Jerome topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves demolition of long-vacant house at 413 Jerome Street
Summary
The Design Review Board approved a certificate of appropriateness for demolition of the vacant house at 413 Jerome Street; residents and neighbors described nuisance conditions and the city outlined its demolition program.
The Florence City Design Review Board approved a certificate of appropriateness to demolish the house at 413 Jerome Street after staff and multiple residents described long-term vacancy, overgrowth and nuisance activity at the property.
City staff said the parcel is in the Timrod Park Overlay District. The owner of neighboring properties and several residents spoke during the public comment period, describing the house as unoccupied for a long time, with overgrown shrubbery and intermittent squatting. Resident testimony included concerns about pests (one resident said a rat entered his home) and stolen property from the vacant lot.
City staff explained the city’s demolition program, noting it is administered through Community Services and includes a matrix for prioritizing properties based on condition, crime activity and neighborhood impact. The program includes voluntary demolitions—where owners request city assistance or qualify based on income—and involuntary demolitions pursued through code enforcement, condemnation and the court system when owners are unresponsive. Staff said 413 Jerome was a voluntary demolition: the owner approached the city and requested demolition assistance in order to clear the lot and build a new house.
Multiple neighbors, including residents who own adjacent properties, thanked the city for pursuing demolition and said the action would improve neighborhood safety and property values. The board moved to approve the COA “as submitted”; the motion passed by voice vote and the certificate will be issued.
