3620 Clifton Avenue – Part One

In yesterday’s Morning Journal, there was an article about the decision made by the Demolition Board of Appeals to add 16 more houses to the demolition list. In that article, it was mentioned that the owners of one of the houses on the demolition list were given a second chance to make repairs. Even though it was noted by Demolition Board member, 5th ward Councilman, and neighborhood resident Eddie Edwards that “Before the sale, the house sat empty for about five years, with its doors and windows open and generally falling apart…” and “The new owners also waited a year before taking action to repair it…” AND the Board went out to see this house for themselves AND took the Fire Chief with them AND talked to the unhappy neighbors – the owners have $17,000 and a plan and that was enough for the Board to grant them a second chance.

If a house ends up on the demolition list, it is there for many many good reasons. The Powers That Be (TPTB) aren’t just riding around the neighborhoods randomly targeting houses for demolition. The reasons for demolition may not always be apparent to us on the outside, but there are plenty out there that are glaringly obvious candidates. As Eddie Edwards also said, “…the city should send a message by not relenting on the ruling that the home is a nuisance that should be torn down.” Especially when we are talking about a house that just last week the same Board had declared “…a nuisance to public health…”! Yet relent on the ruling is EXACTLY what they did for Joseph Barbee and Nathaniel Johnson, the owners of 3620 Clifton Avenue, knowing full well that “…neighbors “were fed up” with condition of the property and wanted city action…”.

Let’s take a look at 3620 Clifton over the years, in the order the pictures appear on the Auditor’s Site (click on any picture to see it larger):

Here’s what it looked like yesterday:

I am amazed that this house, which has been inspected and re-inspected by TPTB (and then some), was deemed worthy of a second chance. Sitting exposed to the elements for at least five years, sold for $200 to two guys who let it sit untouched for two more years (sale date January 2011) – it meant nothing to anybody until the city came knocking with the wrecking ball. (screenshots from parcel results search @ Auditor’s Office website)

The Auditor’s Site also reveals that the property taxes haven’t been paid for two years.
Edited to add: Mr. Barbee and Mr. Johnson also appear on the delinquent tax list for their property at 240 Brace Street, Elyria.

I had the opportunity to talk to two guys who were working inside this house (without any obvious signs of protection for their lungs or clothing). They had stepped out onto the porch for a break. No introductions were made, however, I believe they were the property owners. I told them that I am a local blogger who had read the article in the paper and wanted to see what the city deemed worthy of a second chance. I questioned the amount of money they said they had to spend in regards to it being enough to make all the repairs, as I think this house on a slab is too far gone and they are in way over their heads. One guy said he expected the work to be completed for less than $17,000. I don’t think they can do it. I told them that I hope I’m wrong and that they are able to prove me and all the other doubters out there wrong. I’d love nothing more than to tell the story of their success.

If I were in their shoes, I would cut my losses, use part of the $17k to pay the tax man and the demolition man, then come up with a new and improved plan. The lots on either side of this house will be empty soon. Take some of that $17k to buy and combine them, then build a new house on a nice big lot in a decent neighborhood.

Although I’m not anybody who knows anything about completely renovating a house, I know it’s not the truth when someone stands there and tells me to my face that the interior is not all nasty and wet and moldy when the roof has looked like this for awhile:

These guys are working inside the house, yet all the windows are boarded up and there was no sign of electric light coming from the interior. I did not ask to see inside, nor did they offer to let me see. There’s a lot of stuff in the dumpster, but they’ve got a long way to go. I told them I would be back. This is definitely one I’ll be keeping an eye on.

Foundation damage and backyard trash

Warped siding on two-story section of the house

Broken front porch slab and foundation