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Resident urges town help for hazardous property; cleanup scheduled with owner and volunteers
Summary
Elizabeth Butler told the council that a neighboring property at 390 East Main has no heat, utilities and extensive debris from a fire and called it a health hazard. Police and staff reported the house is not condemned and said a cleanup with a privately provided trailer and volunteers is scheduled for Jan. 28.
Elizabeth Butler, a longtime Scottsville resident and volunteer, told the Town Council during public comment that the property next to her home at 390 East Main remains in dangerous condition after a fire and is creating a health and safety problem.
"It's a health hazard," Butler said, describing burned interiors, piles of debris and smoke from burning trash near her home. She said the tenant had been verbally abusive and that deliveries and drug activity had occurred at the address.
Chief Jenkins and town staff responded that the property had been inspected, was not condemned, and that fire marshals had been involved. The chief described steps taken to address immediate safety and said the owner has agreed to bring a large trailer to the site and haul material away.
Javier (town staff) said volunteers and the town's maintenance worker would assist with segregating and loading debris on the morning of Jan. 28, with a rain date set for Jan. 29. Staff reported a cost estimate of $400 had been discussed with a collection site but that, because the owner will provide hauling, the cleanup at present is expected to impose little or no cost on the town.
Why it matters: Butler said the condition of the property is affecting her ability to live safely in a historic building she maintains; council members and staff discussed possible follow-up steps including social services referrals, code enforcement or a punitive process for repeat offenses if the problem recurs.
Council and staff encouraged the resident to work with social-service partners and local volunteers; staff will oversee the cleanup on Jan. 28 and return to council if additional action is necessary.
Next steps: The cleanup is scheduled for Jan. 28 (rain date Jan. 29); staff will confirm logistics and any costs and report back to the council as needed.
