Homeowner, city square off over property

By Staff
Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
A Hartselle homeowner is being given 120 days to clean up his property or face possible demolition by the city.
Ron Hammon has appealed a notice of abatement from the Hartselle Department of Development regarding his property at 802 Rhodes Street. Hammon first received notice of abatement some three and a half years ago, but the council opted not to pursue the matter at that time. Since then, more complaints have arisen and a month ago, Hammon was notified again that his property did not meet city standards.
In his appeal, Hammon said he uses the property as his primary residence and disputes claims it is in disrepair.
The city is giving Hammon 30 days to begin work at the property, including removal or renovation of an above-ground swimming pool, building stairs on the outside of the house and covering the home’s bare outdoor walls with weather-resistant paint or siding.
The work must be complete within 120 days.
In his appeal, Hammon disputed the city’s claim the home was dilapidated.
“It is sound as a dollar. I dare each of you to place a filled stemware glass in the middle of your living room floor, leap into the air, stomping down on the floor, without even disturbing the glass. Dilapidation my foot!”
Hammon said he has lived at the property for 30 years and the utilities have never been disconnected. He concedes the house’s weathered exterior “is not pretty” but said it’s not unsafe.
If Hammon doesn’t meet the city’s deadline the property could be demolished.
That’s not the goal of the city, Johnson said.
So far this year, the city has issued some 370 notices for junk, high grass or other property problems. Johnson said Hammond’s appeal was the first the city has received.