Two properties recently targeted for demolition by the Columbia Board of Aldermen will see new life.
The properties at 801 Church St. and 433 Lafayette St. have been purchased by new owners whose intentions are to restore them. During Building Inspector Lonnie Stringer’s monthly report at Tuesday night’s Board meeting, officials learned about the projects.
The home at 801 Church Street was recently purchased by Nik Ingram and work began immediately to replace the collapsing roof, according to Mayor Justin McKenzie.
The Board had asked Stringer to obtain bids for demolition, which were delivered in sealed envelopes to City Hall. On the advice of City Attorney Lawrence Hahn, the bids were not opened. The Board voted unanimously to reject all bids since the new owner had begun work on the property.
The Board also learned that Jeffrey Reynolds had purchased the dilapidated home located at 433 Lafayette St. In a recent meeting, neighbors had complained about the property and the Board ordered the home’s demolition.
Hahn said that by law, since the property had changed hands it could not take action to tear it down without beginning the process over. Hahn told the Board that it needed to reject any bids for demolition.
Reynolds was on hand to discuss the condition of the home and property with the Board and assured them he planned to fix it up.
“We started work this morning,” he said. “We’ve got a long way to go.”
Ward 3 Alderwoman Anna Evans expressed concern because of the condition of the home.
“We have to ask you that you be very aggressive in bringing it up to code and livable,” she said. “I’m going to need to see something within 30 days. We need to see some real progress.”
Reynolds assured the Board he intended to clean up the property.
“I’m going to gut it – everything,” he said. “I plan to bring it up to code and live there.”
The Board also learned that several properties on its cleanup list had been cleaned and/or mowed, including 1120 Mobley Avenue, a vacant lot beside Church Street Grocery, 806 Beauvoir Avenue, and 109 Dewey Street.
Board members also voted to set hearings on properties located at 723 D Street, 616 Alberta Avenue, 222 Dewey Street and 312 E. Rankin Street.
The Board tabled discussions on several others pending purchases or resolution of the problems. The Board will next discuss the properties at its Oct. 17 meeting.
The Columbia Board of Aldermen meets next in regular session at 4 p.m. on Oct. 3 at City Hall.
Pictured Above: This property at 433 Lafayette St. is being saved and renovated by a new owner, Jeffrey Reynolds. Photo by Charlie Smith
