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Published Thursday, August 26, 2010 in Local
Photo by Jeffrey Leo
This townhome on Portico Place in Eastlake at SummerGrove is approximately 70 percent complete and has sat in disrepair since early 2008. Area residents have complained that it’s not only an eyesore, but potentially hazardous.
Newnan may demolish two SummerGrove townhouses
The Newnan Times-Herald
Residents of the Eastlake section in SummerGrove who have put up with an eyesore in their neighborhood since early 2008 may finally have something to celebrate.
Two unfinished, adjoining townhomes at 63 and 67 Portico Place are scheduled to be demolished by Newnan in 30 days.
The Newnan City Council held a public hearing at Tuesday evening's meeting on the issue.
Code Enforcement Officer Matt Camp informed council he sent notification to Quantum Servicing -- the mortgage company they were led to believe has ownership of the properties -- and followed up twice telling Quantum officials they needed to come up with a construction schedule by Tuesday's meeting if they planned to bring the properties up to code.
As of Tuesday, according to Camp, he had not received that information or any correspondence from the company.
City Attorney Brad Sears said Legacy Communities was last on record as being the title holder. A representative from Legacy told Sears they're being foreclosed against. Sears was referred to the FDIC, who said Quantum is in charge of the properties.
Neither company will take ownership.
"At this point, we don't know who's the owner," said Sears.
Sears initially recommended the city refrain from tearing the townhomes down because "someone will end up with the property" eventually. "This is a problem going on across Georgia," he said.
In the meantime, the city has secured the properties from unforced entry and Sears suggested they maintain the properties.
SummerGrove Homeowner Association representative Jim Graser said his only concern with the properties are the overgrowth of weeds that haven't been maintained.
It was Mayor Keith Brady who recommended council allocate the necessary funds to proceed with demolition if possible.
Sears added council should wait 30 days to give the rightful property owner an opportunity to come forward and take action if they so choose.
In order for council to demolish the structure, the cost to repair them must exceed half of the properties' assessed value.
Camp told council at the meeting it is his opinion the cost to repair and finish the townhomes would exceed 50 percent.
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Why all the talk about Habitat? The average person who owns a habitat home cannot afford HOA fees, so why would Habitat even be brought up? If the townhomes are beyond finishing due to their condition, then they should be torn down. But if there is any way they can be completed, then that's what should be done. I live in Parkside Village and we have numerous empty lots that are overgrown. Think the city can do something about these? I pay my HOA fees and taxes too.
Posted by Lori at 2:14 PM
For those of you who keep saying that these homes could be used for people who have no place to live, you are missing the point. These townhomes are uninhabitable. They were left unfinished and have been subjected to the weather and various other forms of contamination. They are in horrible condition and can't simply be "finished" and moved into. The mold alone would cause extreme health problems.
The article makes it sound like the grass is too tall and that alone is the reason for this, but that is a very minor part of it. The issue is MUCH larger and although demolition seems extreme, it may be the only safe choice! It is not just an eyesore, but a danger, which is why this is a serious issue!
Posted by Eastlake Resident at 12:27 AM
You obviously have difficulty reading, because I NEVER said "low class". I said low income. There is a HUGE difference. I also did not insult Habit for Humanity in any way. I am not a snob, nor do I aspire to be one. I am VERY aware of the range of home prices in Eastlake as well as other parts of SummerGrove, so I don't need you to quote them for me. You have NO idea how much my home cost, nor what size home that I live in. It is irrelevant. I chose Eastlake due to the smaller size, because the rest of SummerGrove is too large for my taste. I also wanted to be on the lake, so Eastlake provided exactly what I was looking for, which also includes the HOA, so that the only people that can buy here will have to be able to afford ALL of the costs. That ensures me that the homes and the community as a whole will be well maintained and my property value will be somewhat protected. These townhomes have a direct effect on ALL of these things!
Posted by Eastlake Resident at 12:23 AM
Summergrove is a community with Covenants and a Homes Owners Association, with dues and rules to abide by. If someone wants to live here, it is simple...They can purchase a home, pay their dues and lives by the rules. What is racist about that? There are hundreds of subdivisions in Newnan with HOA dues. Why aren't you crying racism about them? Your whole accusation of this community disenfranchising anyone is ridiculous! People with your mind set make me ill, because you are expecting someone to GIVE you something versus you working for it. Your remark of " The fees could be waivered by raising the fees of the rich people in that neighborhood" is a prime example of your jealousy of people who have worked hard and EARNED nice things. By the way, Summergrove has homes from the mid $100,000's to a couple of million dollars, so there are a LOT of people here that are FAR from rich, myself included! I work VERY hard to live in a nice home in a nice neighborhood that is safe and well kept. These townhomes are full of mold and uninhabitable, so the argument of "donating" them is a moot point anyway!
Posted by Eastlake Resident at 12:15 AM
First, for those that feel that Summer Grove residents are snobs, you are sadly mistaken. Summer Grove is a diverse subdivision and the various home values allow it to be so, so stop insulting it when you obviously know nothing about it!
Now, for the important topic. The townhomes really do need to be removed or completed. They are boarded up and in horrible condition. It has gradually gotten worse and worse and there are a lot of children who play around the area and someone is bound to get injured. They have been subjected to the weather and can't possibly be inhabitable, as is, so tearing them down seems to be the only option. I, for one, and tired of seeing them and fully support them being removed, so that something that meets code can be built in its place!
Posted by Eastlake Resident at 11:59 PM
I hate to tell you all in summergrove but there are a lot of HUD homes in that subdivision. Guess what your tax dollars pay for the association fees. I have a friend trying to sell his home. He had to drop the price because the foreclosed HUD home across the street was sold 50k less then what it was worth. Some investor bought it. The people that use to live in it said they never paid any association fees. Hud paid it all.
Posted by Bubba B Bad at 7:27 PM
Truthfully, any neighborhood with an HOA probably has some rule in place that says that the HOA will cut the grass and bill the owner if the landscaping guidelines are not met. The City does not need to be involved at all. Community pride should have resolved the matter long ago.
Posted by Positive thinker at 5:40 PM
No, Thank you.
Posted by Summergrove Resident at 3:36 AM
Are you kidding me? Ok, I have the property address's, my company will go cut the grass at these homes tomorrow or Sunday.
Seriously people, if the grass is that high, do the neighborly thing and cut the grass... What has our society come too?
Posted by Jonathon at 1:25 AM
Before too long, Newnan will be like Union City so just accept the fact and expect the inevitable. We all must move to Peachtree City to share the love.
Posted by Tyrone at 9:20 PM
There's nothing 'low class' about Habitat for Humanity - lovely, hard working families who WILL keep their house / yard up: what's 'low class' about that?
In case 'you' aren't aware, 'Eastlake Resident,' Summergrove's homes range in price from the low 100's, up to a million & more - there's room in there for 'Habitat Homes,' plenty of room!
Isn't 'Eastlake' at the low-end price point in Summergrove, anyways? A Habitat Home could only bring up the housing values of Eastlake, come to think of it!
If you want to be a snob, move to the higher-end neighborhoods, 'Eastlake Resident!'
Posted by Fan of Habitat at 7:56 PM
I hate that word, disinfranchising
Posted by local yokel at 7:01 PM
The remarks by the so called Holy then Thow Summergrove residents in not surprising. The so called fees in that subdivision are disinfranchising minorites from moving there.
With all the vacant homes in that subdivison the government should buy them for low income minorites and there families.
Also Habitat for Humanity should look at acquiring the homes.
The fees could be waivered by raising the fees of the rich people in that neighborhood.
Posted by Lacresha Thomas at 6:12 PM
I am shocked of the amount of people who are bashing Summergrove. I grew up in Newnan and I do live in Summergrove, sure I remember the "times before Summergrove". However, remember Summergrove has over 2,000 homes who all pay city and country taxes - so I wouldn't be bashing? Use your brains before you speak people!!! These homes need to be sold at an auction to people who can afford them and the HOA dues that come along with the property - period.
Posted by ASN at 12:01 PM
Eastlake is a dump anyway Tearing down those homes want make anyone want to buy in there.
Posted by Bubba B Bad at 9:47 AM
I live in the Eastlake part of Summergrove and I can assure you that we won't support Habitat for Humanity putting low income people into this neighborhood, so get that idea right out of your head! If you can't afford to buy here and pay your HOA dues, you don't belong here...PERIOD! Why don't you get habitat for humanity to tear down and rebuild the terrible homes near Dixon Ave? Those people REALLY need the help and don't have HOA dues to keep up.
It's not about being "better" than anyone, but the housing market takes a hit when organizations like that build in their community. I don't want my property value decreased anymore than it already has! Worry about YOUR back yard and NOT mine! Tear them down or clean them up!
Posted by Eastlake Resident at 1:23 AM
Got a question...If the city of Newnan has the "duty" to protect property values by destroying run down houses, then why in the world are they not over here in East Newnan helping save our property value?
Posted by More Common Sense at 9:38 PM
People do you understand people live on the ground? These are perfectly good homes. This is why everyone in the world hates us. We want to destroy homes because they are eyesores. The people in summergrove are all ignorant. Like someone already said tear the whole neighborhood down for the wildlife to take over.
Posted by Newnan resident. at 9:35 PM
The city is going to tear down two townhomes because no one mows the grass and keeps up the yards?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but if they tear down the townhomes, won't there still be grass to keep up on the vacant lots?
Homeowners in this subdivision need to realize the city ain't gonna' turn it into a park or a playground. They're going to be looking at a pile of rubble with weeds and tall grass. Who's going to cut the grass then?
Tearing these houses down solves nothing.
Posted by elsie at 9:09 PM
I wouldn't mind if they demolished most of the unnecessary stuff that's been thrown up around here the past 10 years. The builders and commissioners keep socking it to us with all of this out of control growth and sprawl. Maybe this will show them it's time to what little bit of rural charm this place still has left!
Posted by Newnan Resident at 7:29 PM
I have tead this artical several times and cannot tell if there was any actions taken on the property except it being secured. Was there a motion? IF so, what was the results?
Posted by Not a Good ole'boy at 6:40 PM
Oh my, what some think. Just think, anyone can move in. I wonder what "anyone" equals? I think they can if they have the means.
Posted by Common Sense at 6:36 PM
I remember when Lower Fayetteville Rd. was a nice, peaceful road to drive down. Since Summergrove moved in, thousands of trees had to be cut for the houses and 500 different stores. Plus, its something all the time with Summergrove. Tear it all down and bring back the once beautiful road!
Posted by eclipse at 5:55 PM
Actually it is not cheaper to mow it for a few months. City employees on city owned bulldozers for about three hours vs. city employees on city mowers for a day every week. Cost looks pretty cheap to me. Tear 'em down and let 'em fall.
Posted by Familiar at 5:35 PM
I totally agree with Newnan Resident. Why not make them move into existing vacant buildings...it would also costs less for the business to just update rather than build from scratch. The reason they don't make it mandatory is because a majority of the government staff here in Coweta County are involved with these properties that are being built on and they are making a profit also. And why so eager to demolish a house in Summergrove...when you have other homes in areas like East Newnan that are clearly past the cost of 50% to repair and no one is trying to clean up those "eyesores".
Posted by longtime resident at 5:25 PM
If the owner cared about those properties, they would take care of them or sell them for what they could get to some one who would maintain them. Therefore the city has the duty to maintain neighborhood values by demolishing them.
Posted by Cal at 4:59 PM
Why not ask where the people who want these houses demolished live? That might answer the question regrading Habitat for Humanity. I'd bet some prominent names will arise not wanted to be counted.
Posted by afcarter at 4:26 PM
Take the houses down = send a message to these Banks, and investors that think they can just leave a dilapitated eyesore wherever they want for however long they feel like it and expect the county to just take it. It may seem like a waste for these houses to be destroyed, but if it motivates even half of the rest of the owners of vacant homes to clean them up and make them presentable then that is a good thing.
Posted by Kirk Wilson at 3:39 PM
The Code Enforcement Office does have training in evaluating the condition of structures. The structures are unfinished and unsafe. Both can occur at the same time. Grass is not the only concern. The City would not have been so quick to rush to demolish the houses, if the neighbors hadn't been so vocal about the structures. They all showed up at the meeting the other night and they have been barraging City Hall with their complaints. The moral of the story is if you want something done by the City, get a group together and complain about it.
Posted by Bubba Bosarge at 3:25 PM
Last time I looked we don't have police all over our neighborhood??? Like I said before, maybe you should check your facts before you start shouting your opinions.
Posted by ASN at 3:20 PM
There are a lot of houses in Coweta that are more of an eyesore than these...why can't we get the old abandoned houses taken down
Posted by local yokel at 3:17 PM
I do live in Summergrove and I pay my mortgage and dues like many do. First of all, I do NOT think that I am better than anyone. I have experienced many of our neighbors fall on hard times and have to sell their homes for a fraction of what they paid a couple of years ago, so YES hard times have been experienced here just like many other neighborhoods. Shame on you, for shouting your opinion on other people without knowing the facts. I do agree, these townhouses should be sold. The problem is many of the banks refuse to sell them for a a lower cost. Take a look at the LONG foreclosures in our paper. The banks are STILL asking a crazy high amount of money on properties, that have lost their value. They should allow the other people to buy these properties. P.S - many commununities are only allowed so many HUD type homes and Summergrove already has many HUD homes from foreclosure. Only HUD is trying to sell them for a higher profit rather than let people live there. Look it up!!
Posted by ASN at 3:16 PM
Habitat for Humanity isn't going to put someone in a covenant community with HOA dues the level of not only Summergrove, but also the separate association the townhomes in Summergrove have. Those homes come with almost $1,500 a year in mandatory association fees.
Posted by Duh at 2:29 PM
HFH people may be better than you. Summergrove has already hit the bottom.You listen to a scanner and the police stay over there all the time.So what are you going to do about an HFH person moving in Summergrove? Nothing,thats what !Be careful!
Posted by Bo at 1:43 PM
It would be cheaper to cut the grass until they can verify the owner to avoid any lawsuit. Why the rush to demo when cutting the grass and keeping it secured isnt' al that much work now. HOA is happy the lawn is being mowed, why the rush to demo?
Posted by hot enough at 12:59 PM
Habitat for Humanity!!! Why not??
Posted by newnanite at 12:57 PM
Does anybody think Summergrove residents will stand for having HFH beneficiaries living in their neighborhood? I almost think they'd prefer the eyesores.
Posted by Coweta Resident at 12:53 PM
People in Summergrove are no better than anyone else in this town. They just haven't fallen on hard times yet. I say give the houses to people who really need them.
Posted by grown-up at 12:48 PM
Quantum is an independent contractor that handles various functions for the FDIC when they take a bank into receivership. The City doesn't have a right to take the property. All they can do is demolish the property and place a lien on the property which will be lost during the foreclosure process. The sensible and cheaper alternative would be to cut the dang grass and let the foreclosure process take its course. Someone will get it for a good deal (i.e. Habitat or investors) and complete the project.
Posted by BH at 12:25 PM
I'm not sure how 2 & 1/2 years after they were abandoned this would qualify as 'rushing' to do something about it. These properties sat open to the elements for 2 years before they were secured. The drywall has rotted, they're mold growing in the walls, and just about anything of value has been taken out of them by looters. What would happen to these things if they were up in Lake Redwine?
Posted by Resident at 11:59 AM
This is EXACTLY what drives me nuts about the *powers that be* in Coweta granting all these building permits for homes/business we DON'T NEED! We have areas in Newnan that are GHOST TOWNS that would be perfect for new businesses to move into, yet instead of forcing them to do that... they give the green light to clear cut thousands of acres and build more businesses - which turn around and GO UNDER because there was no need for all these new businesses in the first place. Then the NEWLY constructed places sit vacant, creating MORE of a ghost-town effect. Coweta authorities, please hear the people who live in this once-great county... it's ok to say "NO" sometimes. You don't have to rubber-stamp YES to every request for a building permit that comes across your desk. Force new business to make do with the hundrends of vacant facilities/homes/apartments/townhomes that sit in disrepair, rather than building their own place. It would be cheaper for them, "greener" and it certainly would help our town get out of this everything being vacant rut we're in!!
Posted by Newnan Resident at 11:57 AM
Felisha, you have a brilliant idea, give the houses to Habitat, complete the repairs, and let two families live there. This solves many problems all at once. This would be a great example of our community working together and most of all, without Government intervention. Let's DO IT.
Posted by Sonny Grove at 11:48 AM
let's turn them over to Habitat for Humanity, and see what element moves in. Summergrove is already becoming adulterated with cheap foreclosures letting anyone move in, why not take it all the way?
Posted by Armchair Vigilante at 11:43 AM
That seems like a waste of money to demo a new home why can't they sell it through seized county property by tax leans.
Posted by ron at 11:27 AM
Let's just rush out and tear it down as it is in Summer grove. How could it cost 50% to finish when they say it is 75% complete.
Posted by Common Sense at 10:32 AM
We don't know who owns but we're tearing it down? Severe penalty for the grass being too long.
Posted by Bobby John at 10:32 AM
A code enforcement officer says the magic words "it will cost more than 50 percent to repair" and that happens to be the demolition threshold. How was that figure arrived at? What is the training of the code enforcement officer in construction, construction estimation, real estate property evaluation? What information of a credible nature does the City have that it can document its file with that says the cost to improve / repair exceeds 50%? Wait a minute here, the only real problem cited was overgrown weeds and structures are going to be torn down? They are unsafe, just unfinished? That is government overreaching.
Posted by pragmaticrepublican at 10:12 AM
Instead of demolishing these two homes why don't you just give them to habitat for humanite and they will finish theses houses and put people in them that really needs it!!!
Posted by Felisha Sanders at 9:28 AM
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Summergrove
9/2/2010
Link To This Comment
Element? Adulterated? Letting ANYONE move in? Armchair Vigilante is a real sweet honey of a coward. You get the keyboard courage award. Funny, Bernie Madoff made a horrendous fool out of so many people just like you. Those who thought that material things and finances were a protective barrier or hedge against who THEY thought/classified as unsavory elements. You couldn't identify an element if was staring back at you from a Periodic Table. Don't you know that Summergrove could be maintained just as it is for only $100 annual per address? - So when you foolishly pay your dues and think your benefited/priviledged by paying your HOA, which isn't even expensive, there is a group out here LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY AT YOU!! Brain cells. Sadly those can't be purchased.
Posted by Commercial Property Owner at 10:13 PM