2009-01-27T10:54:00.000-08:00

Today, the Gas Company came and removed the gas line leading to 1912 North Saint Andrews Place. The purpose to remove the gas line leading to the house is to prepare for demolition. Remodeling a house does not require the removal of the line. In addition, an existing work order does not state that a new line is to be installed.

Code Enforcement tells us that there is no demolition permit. However, as the longer term residents know, Immaculate Heart has a history of demolishing properties without obtaining permits.

What can we do?

All the properties will suffer a loss in property value if the school tears down the house without a permit, . Breaking an R-1 zoning law imperils everyone. Potential purchasers do not want to buy on a street when they know they cannot rely on the zoning. Thus, all the homeowners on the 1900 block of St. Andrews could joint together to file one lawsuit against Immaculate Heart seeking compensation for decreased property values.

Lawsuits, however, are time-consuming and aggravating. On the other hand, it would make any future violators think very seriously about illegal demolitions if the school acts illegally and the homeowners carry through with a law suit. Right now, people violate the law because they think they can get away with it.

First, Eastwood suggests a meeting of the affected people so that all residents may have their voices heard. We will try to arrange a meeting that is mutually convenient for as many residents as possible.

Demolition at 1912 St. Andrew?