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Union City property in limbo

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@TheCitizenNews.com

After discussing at length the positive and negative points surrounding a sub-standard dwelling at 6577 Clayborn Avenue, Mayor Ralph Moore urged the Union City Council to give the owner, Helen Bridges another 30 days to submit a clear set of plans regarding the property’s renovation.

Bridges came forward during the council’s Monday night meeting to plead with the city as to her plans to make over a dilapidated home. She met with many heartfelt arguments to thelbianchi@TheCitizenNews.com contrary. The council tried to persuade Bridges that it would be more financially feasible to demolish the house and start from scratch.

Bridges argued that if the house were torn down there would be a huge empty lot and it would encourage loitering. She attempted to present an unauthorized building permit in place of her original permit which expired last year.

“If the city gives me another permit, I have the lumber and relatives to help me. I just need more time.” Bridges said.

The mayor estimated the cost of fixing the home and bringing it up to code at approximately $52,000.

Betty Milam, a neighbor to Bridge’s property for nearly 35 years spoke in favor of the house’s renovation.

“We are trying to beautify our neighborhood so our grandchildren will have a nice place to grow up.”

After closing the public hearing, Councilman Barbara Bohannon motioned to have the house condemned.

“I truly admire your dreams,” Bohannon told Bridges, but felt that it would behoove the board to condemn the property.

The motion was seconded by Councilman Shirley Jackson and passed without the consent of the mayor. The Mayor made a new motion that was passed unanimously in favor of Bridges getting 30 more days, saving her dreams for another month. He informed Bridges that the ball was in her court and she needed to move forward immediately with her attempts to save the project.