Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Estate Property Demolition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve demolition of two estate properties in White Sulphur Springs after administratrix agrees
Summary
The commission approved demolition of a trailer and a deteriorated house at 131 and 141 Harmon Dean Road after planning staff described long-standing abandonment and the administratrix, Melissa Lockhart, consented to voluntary demolition; the county agreed not to place a lien because she signed the petition.
The Greenbrier County Commission voted to approve demolition of two adjacent parcels in White Sulphur Springs after staff described long-standing abandonment, structural dilapidation, and law-enforcement activity at the sites.
Planning staff told commissioners the complaints for the properties date back years; the owner died in 2005 and the estate has remained open since December 2005, staff said. One parcel contains a single-wide trailer that staff said is unsafe and unsightly; the adjacent house and accessory building were described as unsecured and a public hazard due to vandalism, missing utilities and evidence of squatters.
Melissa Lockhart, identified in the hearing as the administratrix for the estate, told commissioners she lacks funds to fully rehabilitate the properties but said she consented to voluntary demolition of the trailer and accepted removal of debris. “I have no money at the moment right now,” Lockhart said. She told the commission she planned to return to the property once she could address repairs.
Commissioner Richie Holiday moved to approve the demolition petition for 131 and 141 Harmon Dean Road with the administratrix’ permission and explicitly stated that no lien would be placed on the properties because Lockhart agreed to sign the petition voluntarily. The chair called the vote and commissioners answered “Aye.” The court reporter recorded the motion and the chair stated the vote was in favor.
Staff said the contractor would remove structures and debris down to ground level and disconnect utility hookups. The county clerk will provide Lockhart the paperwork to sign following the hearing.
Authorities referenced in the discussion included West Virginia Code 7-1-3KK as the statutory basis for abating public-health hazards and county condemnation practice. The commission’s vote authorizes staff to proceed under that petition.
Next steps: staff will present the demolition paperwork for Lockhart’s signature and schedule contractor work once authorizations are in place.
