Stonewall council approves demolition order for unsafe house at 104 West Matthews

Stonewall’s council voted unanimously to authorize the removal and demolition of a dilapidated house at 104 West Matthews after owners failed to comply with an earlier order to repair or remove the structure.

Eric Clem, the state code enforcement officer who presented the case to council, said the property was served with a complaint in July, the owners were notified and an order gave them 90 days to demolish or repair. Clem told council the owners had discussed using Rockingham Community College as a controlled burn training opportunity but that did not occur, and the structure remains a public-safety concern. Clem also said building-inspection and asbestos procedures limit options for live burning without prior abatement and testing.

Councilman Shelton moved to adopt the ordinance to remove and demolish 104 West Matthews; Councilwoman Daisy Smith seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote recorded as “Aye.” Clem said the owners received notice of the hearing and an opportunity to appear. Council did not specify a timetable for the town’s contractor to complete the demolition; staff said the action is the next step under the town’s code-enforcement ordinance.

The council’s action formalizes the town’s ability to abate the nuisance and recover costs consistent with Stonewall’s ordinance. Council members asked staff to confirm asbestos testing and compliance with required procedural notices before any work begins.