SALISBURY — A burned out house at 105 Mitchell Ave. may finally meet its end when Salisbury City Council considers ordering the home to be repaired or demolished.
City Council will meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall, 217 S. Main St.
Fire gutted the home nearly two years ago on May 24, 2012. The tenants escaped, and owner Neng Vue said he and his wife had planned to retire in the home and were devastated.
The city boarded up the property to secure it after Vue failed to do so, but no repairs have been made since the fire and the house is a nuisance to the community, Code Services Division Manager Chris Branham said.
The house stands in the Fulton Heights National Historic District, and a 90-day delay that was imposed by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission has expired, Branham said.
“No further interest of repairs resulted from the 90-day delay,” he said. “The dwelling contributes to its surroundings in a negative way and does not promote a quality of life that is up to city code.”
To demolish the dwelling, City Council must pass an ordinance. Demolition costs will include a $350 asbestos inspection and hiring a contractor for about $5,000.
Also on Tuesday’s agenda:
• Mayor Paul Woodson will proclaim Professional Social Work Month.
• City Council will consider amending the city code regarding chronic violators.
• City Council will consider appointments to various boards and commissions.
• Public comments.
• City Manager Doug Paris’s comments.
• The City Council meeting scheduled for March 18 has been cancelled for the annual retreat. City Council will return to its regular schedule April 1.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.