On Monday night at the Maria Parham Medical Center Auditorium, a group of concerned citizens known as “Citizens Aligned to take back Henderson, NC”, met to discuss the state of dilapidating structures within the city limits. Steve Cordell, fire chief for the City of Henderson, and Alan Faulkner, of Faulkner Grading & Landscaping, addressed concerned citizens and provided quality answers to questions.
Cordell broke down the process of burning down a structure. Cordell said, “We have to evaluate the home for asbestos, check tax leans, financial considerations, process of removal, it’s a lot.” Cordell went on with, “…apply for demolition permits…file for air quality, get state approval, and do a cost benefit analysis.”
The process of burning abandoned houses in the City of Henderson is going to take time and money. However, there are other options.
Faulkner said, “It costs as much tear down a house as it does to take it to the landfill.”
The general consensus of the meeting was whether it is burning down abandoned homes or tearing them down, something must be done for the appearance and perception of the City of Henderson and all of Vance County.
The next step for the group is to take their cause to both the Henderson City Council and Vance County Board of Commissioners.
To learn more about Citizens Aligned to take back Henderson, like them on Facebook at facebook.com/cleanuphenderson.