By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—The Pelham City Council held a public hearing regarding the demolition of two dangerous structures after an Aug. 18 City Council meeting.

The two structures, located at 1453 Kelly Drive and 7898 Helena Road, were categorized as dangerous under the city’s Code of Ordinances. Both were condemned and targeted for demolition by the Pelham Building Department.

The 1453 Kelly Drive property is an “abandoned mobile home that’s been burned,” Pelham Building Official Bob Miller explained during the Aug. 18 public hearing, adding prior notifications about the condemnation of the property had gone unanswered and there were still “issues and questions of who owns” the property.

“It’s my recommendation that we go ahead and tear it down,” Miller said, adding he saw “no way to repair” the structure.

“It’s a dangerous property, there’s no question about that,” Pelham City Council President Rick Hayes said.

City Councilman Ron Scott also noted the 1453 Kelly Drive property’s location in a residential neighborhood and close proximity to neighboring homes.

“It’s a danger to those homeowners,” Scott said.

Due to the questions regarding ownership of the property, Hayes suggested reviewing the situation with the city’s attorneys before voting on the demolition at the next City Council meeting.

According to Miller, the owner of the 7898 Helena Road property had already begun demolition of structure, and by the time of the public hearing, the process was “75 to 80 percent complete.” Action from the city was no longer necessary, Miller explained.

The tin structure was previously deemed dangerous and in violation of the city’s Code of Ordinances due to instability and rusting. Additionally, the fence was in disrepair and there was debris in the lot.

“The owner went ahead and did it,” Miller said of the property owner’s work to demolish the structure. “All the trash should be out by Friday.”