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Code board finds 805 Grey Street unsafe, orders abatement if owner fails to act within 30 days
Summary
After testimony about sanitation failures, foundation cracks and sagging floors, the board found 805 Grey Street in violation, reduced a proposed larger fine to the ordinance minimum, added a $200 administrative fee and authorized abatement after 30 days if the owner did not comply.
The Hopkinsville Code Ordinance Enforcement Board on Oct. 14 found the house at 805 Grey Street to be in violation of the city’s basic property‑maintenance code after testimony from code enforcement staff about structural and sanitation hazards. The board voted to assess the ordinance minimum fine, add a $200 administrative fee, and authorize abatement if repairs and removal of personal effects are not completed within a 30‑day period.
Code enforcement officer Jeffrey Watkins told the board the case originated from a July 22 complaint from the police about plumbing problems and "human feces being thrown in the backyard." Watkins presented photographs and a timeline showing foundation cracks that extend toward the roof line, missing concrete blocks in exterior walls, decayed window sills, large holes in ceilings, sagging and damaged subflooring, missing sink fixtures and apparent inoperable plumbing. Watkins said the structure did not have gas service and listed prior enforcement activity; he told the board liened assessments on the property amount to $9,383.95 as of the hearing.
Owner Shania Lachete Forrest (who said she recently changed her last name after marriage) was sworn and told the board she had attempted repairs, described a contractor falling ill and subsequent delays, and said her husband died in April 2025, which limited her ability to complete work. Forrest said she has a relative who could temporarily house her if the city needed to take possession.
During penalty discussion a board member initially moved to assess a $500 fine plus a $200 administrative fee and to abate the property after 30 days. Board members expressed concern that a larger immediate fine might be difficult to collect given existing lien amounts; the maker of the motion agreed to lower the assessed fine to the ordinance minimum. The amended motion—minimum fine, $200 administrative fee, and abatement after 30 days to allow removal of personal belongings—was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Board members and staff emphasized that abatement or demolition would be a last resort if the owner does not comply, and that city code staff will coordinate timing for abatement and provide necessary paperwork. The board also noted that owners may appeal final orders to the Christian District Court within the appeal period specified by ordinance.
