Little Kanawha property cleaned up
By PAMELA BRUST, pbrust@newsandsentinel.comPARKERSBURG - Wood County officials reported a Little Kanawha River Road property, found to be in violation of the county abandoned and dilapidated building ordinance, has been cleared.
"All the demolition work has been done and they have even seeded and everything. So the job is completely done," said Ed Hupp, enforcement officer for the county's abandoned and dilapidated building ordinance.
Hupp said the Little Kanawha property cleanup began around June 23 and was finalized by June 26.
"I am very pleased with the work and I think the neighbors are very happy. This property was hit by the 2004 flood and we got the debris out of the flood zone and everyone is very happy with the clean up," Hupp said.
The county ordinance provides once deficiencies, safety and any public health issues are identified, the property then goes before the county enforcement agency for review. William Brown, county engineer, along with Hupp visit the sites, photograph the problems, and attempt to contact property owners. The enforcement committee can then request Brown bring the property before the county commission for action.
The commissioners can order property owners be notified to correct deficiencies or file a request for a hearing. If there is no response, the commission can seek bids for repair, demolition, removal and clean up. The county will place a lien against the property to recoup the cost of the job.
The commission awarded the clean-up bid around June 5 to Empire Builders for $14,450. Hupp said the hillside location and terrain around the property meant additional materials, equipment and labor would be needed to complete the job.
The property was earlier sold at tax auction.
