Commission closes 5916 Wentworth Avenue case without prejudice after demolition begins

The East Ridge Housing Commission closed its enforcement case for 5916 Wentworth Avenue without prejudice after staff confirmed demolition work had begun and required permits were obtained.

The property owner, who identified herself as Elena Harrell, told the commission she had obtained a sewer cap permit from the local wastewater authority and that demolition was approximately one‑third complete. Code enforcement staff confirmed permits had been submitted and that the sanitation/sewer permit (WWFA) had delayed the start until recently.

Given the active demolition and permits in place, a commissioner moved to close the case without prejudice so staff resources could focus on remediation; the motion passed on a unanimous roll call. Chairperson Davis noted the commission could reopen the matter if the demolition permit expired or if work stalled.

Harrell said she was weighing options for the lot after demolition — sealing the portion of a structure above the flood line, selling the lot or rebuilding — and staff said they would assist with permitting and next steps.

The closure without prejudice preserves the commission’s ability to reassert oversight if the property returns to non‑compliance, while removing the matter from the active docket while demolition continues.