Charlotte City Council OKs demolition of home despite owner’s pleas

The Charlotte City Council decided Monday to tear down a 2,736-square-foot home at 1609 Beatties Ford Road despite protests from the owner.

Donna Greenwood told council members she inherited the home, which is in disrepair. She took issue with the city’s estimates for repair costs, which she said were inflated.

According to a city formula, if the cost to repair a home is more than 65 percent of the tax value, the city would recommend razing it.

A report from the city says it would cost $83,009 to repair the 84-year-old home, which has a tax value of $36,400. The city says the home’s flooring, foundation, framing and electrical and plumbing components, among other things, are in need of repair or replacement.

Greenwood, in disagreeing with the city’s estimated repair costs, pointed to a section of the city’s report that found that a new stairwell could cost from $15,000 to $20,000. She said the cost should be $4,000.

Councilman James Mitchell, who voted to demolish the home, said he visited the property and was “kind of speechless” about its condition.

“I don’t know if we delayed this if things would get better,” he said. “It’s a tremendous cost to bring it up to standard.”

Ramsey can be reached at [email protected].