The owner of a rental house in Eupora is appealing city leaders’ decision to condemn her property as being a public health menace.
The property at 17 S. Allen St., which belong to Joyce Hendrix, was the subject of a Feb. 7 blight hearing at the Community Center. She was unable to attend the public hearing because of illness.
Several citizens expressed concerns about the property, alleging the house located there is unlivable because it has structural issues with the foundation and roof, among other reasons.
The Board of Aldermen approved a motion regarding the property during the regular meeting that followed. After hearing testimony and reviewing documents entered into evidence during the public hearing, Jerry Gary (at-large) offered a motion that the board had found, determined and adjudicated that the property located at 17 S. Allen St. is in such a state of uncleanliness as to be a menace to the public health, safety and welfare of the community.
The motion further states: “The building is to be torn down and removed from the property within 30 days by the owner; all personal property is to be removed; the grass cut, weeds, removed; and property secured. In the event the owner makes all required repairs within 30 days, the board may review but is not required to reconsider their findings. Also, the city may reenter the property for up to two years for cleaning and can impose a penalty not to exceed $1,500 or 50% of the actual cost, whichever is more. The owner has 10 days to appeal this decision.”
Ricky Newton (Ward 3) seconded the motion with all five aldermen voting aye.
Appeal Comments
Hendrix did appeal the decision to condemn her property. She told the board during a special-called meeting Feb. 24 that other houses in town are in the same or worse shape than hers, claiming, “Y’all are just picking on mine.”
Hendrix also asserted that her property is being targeted because somebody wants to buy it.
“Why would 50 people come in here (to the public hearing)? They were brought in here for that reason,” she alleged.
Hendrix said she had already started restoring the house, including work on the foundation. The house is not for sale, she said, adding that the property won’t be sold even if the house is torn down.
After reviewing her appeal letter and much discussion, the board approved a motion by Jerry Gary (at-large), seconded by Billy Tabb (Ward 2), to table the item for 30 days to allow Hendrix to make substantial progress on the property.
“You have 30 days Mrs. Hendrix,” Mayor Blake McMullan told her before moving on to the next agenda item.
