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Pelham moves to demolish flood‑ and fire‑damaged Chandelar townhomes; residents want clarity on utilities and street repair
Summary
The city presented staff findings that four townhomes on Chandelar Court were extensively damaged by a 2021 flood and a 2023 fire and must be demolished because they lie in a floodway; neighbors supported demolition but raised questions about demolition logistics, underground utilities and repair to the private street.
Building Official Lehi Peters told the Pelham City Council the Chandelar townhomes have been a public‑safety and blight concern since an October 2021 flood and a November 2023 fire that left three of four units extensively damaged and one end unit smoke‑damaged.
Peters said the townhouse cluster lies within a floodway, which under applicable rules makes rebuilding impractical unless structures are raised above the floodplain by at least one foot. Because of that constraint and the severity of damage, staff told the council state guidance and the attorney general’s determination supported demolition of all four units to remove an unsafe condition.
Resident Eddie McLean (1900 Chandelar Court) told the council he welcomes demolition but asked operational questions about how the work will be done: who will contract the demolition, whether heavy equipment will damage the private street, how underground utilities will be handled and whether any utility outages would be communicated in advance. McLean recalled prior FEMA engagement and expressed frustration at delays.
City Manager responded that the condemnation and demolition process will be professionalized: staff will hire licensed contractors, attempt to minimize utility interruptions, communicate any necessary outages to residents, and seed disturbed areas so they are not left as bare slabs.
The council concluded the first public hearing after public comment and the city said it would proceed with the condemnation process and manage the practical details with residents’ concerns in mind.
Ending: The hearing record indicates staff will pursue demolition as an abatement of an unsafe structure; details of contracting and scheduling will be handled in follow‑up work and communicated to residents.
