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Council delays demolition of 325 Charles Street, gives owner 45 days to renovate
Summary
Facing a city-ordered demolition for minimum-housing-code violations, the owner of 325 Charles Street was granted a 45-day grace period (starting Aug. 15, 2023) to bring the property into compliance; Council approved Ordinance 23-16 but held demolition in abeyance after discussion about costs and the elapsed compliance period.
Henderson City Council voted Aug. 14 to approve Ordinance 23-16 authorizing removal or demolition of 325 Charles Street for failure to meet the minimum housing code, but the Council ordered the demolition held in abeyance for 45 days to allow renovation work.
City Manager E. Terrell Blackmon and Development Services Director Corey Williams told the Council the structure requires substantial repairs to meet minimum standards. The owner, Isis Sieira, submitted a letter included in the minutes stating she had paid Juan Stefano $82,000 and asking for 45 days to complete necessary renovations. Juan Stefano spoke at the meeting and said he could begin work immediately.
Mayor Eddie Ellington highlighted the city’s potential demolition cost, saying it would be “more than $12,000.” Council members discussed that approximately two years had passed since the original notice was issued and questioned the feasibility of completing renovations within 45 days. City Attorney Rix Edwards recommended the Council set a definitive start date for any grace period. Mr. Stefano said he could begin the next day; the Council set the start of the 45-day period as Aug. 15, 2023.
Councilmember Melissa Elliott moved approval of the demolition ordinance with the hold in abeyance; Councilmember D. Michael Rainey seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The minutes state that if renovations bring the property into compliance during the 45-day period the house should be restored to minimum standards.
Why it matters: The decision balances enforcement of the City’s minimum housing code with an opportunity for the owner to correct code violations and avoid city-initiated demolition and related expenses. The Council’s action establishes a firm remedy timeline and documents the city’s estimated demolition cost.
What’s next: Staff will monitor renovation progress during the 45-day period (Aug. 15–Sept. 29, 2023 or Aug. 15–Sept. 28 depending on calendar interpretation) and report whether the property meets minimum housing standards or whether the City will proceed with demolition and cost recovery.
