Archive for Thursday, January 2, 2003

City seeks removal of home

Controversy over house becomes burden for city, council members said

By Kevin Wright

January 2, 2003

The Edwardsville City Council wants to remove a house that has been vacant for more than a year because it's become a burden on the city, council members said.

City Attorney H. Reed Walker will present information to the council Monday, Jan. 6 as to whether the city can intervene in bankruptcy proceedings and remove the house.

David Assmann, the developer, began the Country Acres subdivision more than two years ago. There are 13 existing modular and manufactured homes in the subdivision.

Scott and Tanya Hepworth were the first family to move into their home at 407 110th St. The couple went public more than two years ago about problems they were having with the new house they bought from Precision Homes in Edwardsville.

They complained of poor manufacturing, including water leaks that led to toxic mold developing in the home. The couple attempted to sue the manufacturer and Precision Homes but the litigation never went anywhere.

Precision Homes denied the couple's allegations and stood behind the houses.

Other homeowners have been satisfied with the development, according to the city.

However, the city stopped the development because of access problems and other infrastructure issues.

However, the Hepworths abandoned the home, saying it was unlivable, and now the house is tied up in bankruptcy court, city officials said.

Yet, the city wants to intervene in those proceedings and remove the structure. Not only is it a plight on the neighborhood and city, but public works has had to mow weeds and remove debris from the property several times in more than a year, council members said.

"It's not fair to the neighbors to let that house stay there," Council member Kent Docking said.

Mayor Luther Pickell said he has received several complaints from residents about the house.

"I don't like it either," he said. "It's time to do something about it."

Walker will attempt to have the house lifted out of bankruptcy court so the city can begin condemnation proceedings.

"The time for action is now," Council member Ed Gillette said. "The place has got to go. We got to get rid of it for the neighbors and the community."

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