WEIRTON - The Weirton Building Enforcement Agency has denied a request to reconsider the demolition of property at 3605 Orchard St.
James Rossi, the son of Dolores Rossi who had owned the property, appeared before the BEA June 19 to ask if the board would reconsider the decision to demolish the house. He said if he was given approximately six months, he would be able to refurbish the home and make it liveable.
Rossi said he and his family have not been at the house or taken anything from the house because of sentimental reasons as their mother died in October. He said there is a great deal of furniture and he could do the repairs to the car port, roof, electrical wiring and plumbing.
Code Official John Serafini said he estimated the repairs to cost nearly $20,000 and the value of the house is estimated to be around $25,000. He said the house has been vacant, there was sewage in the basement and dead cats were found throughout the house.
"Even if he does the repairs himself, it's not going to be cheap," Serafini said.
Serafini said he feels bad and understands the sentimental value associated with the situation but the notices were posted and not answered. He said if the BEA overturned the decision to move forward with the demolition, the board would no longer have any jurisdiction over the matter. He said the Code Enforcement Department would have to give citations on each violation and Rossi would have approximately 30 days to compelete everything on the list of code violations before going to city court to settle the matter.
Based on the evidence brought before the board, including photographs and reports indicating the high number of violations and the estimated costs, the BEA denied the request for reconsideration but informed Rossi he had 20 days to appeal the decision.
(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)
