Condemned house demolished

Posted on Aug 13, 2012 in Local News by Josh Allen

During last week, the City of Paris demolished a condemned house at the corner of SE 8th & Polk St.  The home, which was in completely terrible condition, had been condemned for a number of years and the City had attempted already to take action, but each time the homeowner fought back.

“When we moved into the neighborhood in 2008, the house should have already been condemned,” a neighbor and resident down the street from the home stated.  “In fact, it probably was.  Each time the City of Paris would try to do anything, the old genteman would fight them on it.”

The building was definitely a health concern and very dangerous — not to mention, that it was not easy on the eyes for neighbors or passersby.   The home had no water running to it, no electricity, no gas, and there was a gaping hole in the roof.

The elderly gentleman that ‘lived there’ didn’t even stay in the house.  He slept and ‘lived’ in his truck parked out front, according to residents on the street.  He would make visits to local businesses to use the restroom and wash up.

According to neighbors, the gentleman loved dogs, but he was unable to care for them properly.  This caused many problems for neighbors and Animal Control — the smell from the home was unpleasant, to say the least.  He’d amassed many fines during the years due to some these issues.

“I know he had a good heart,” the neighbor continued.  “Each time I would talk to him, I could feel that he was intelligent and had a very sweet mind.  He’d even been a professor at one point in his life, but there was something wrong.”

The man passed away in the Spring.  Although his passing is unfortunate and sad, the condemned home has now been demolished.

Residents in the neighborhood extend a ‘thank you’ to the City of Paris Code Enforcement.

(Photos submitted – click to enlarge)