Unsafe Westside House Condemned

By Ken Amaro First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- From the mailbox, the house at 8371 Devoe St. on the Westside looks normal, except for the dumpster on the property full of debris.

But it is far from normal; it is unsafe.

"We are condemning the structure," says Lesley Davidson.

Davidson is an administrator with the City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division. City officials say anyone moving into the house would be putting his or her life in danger.

"This is a firetrap - electrical wires are spliced together," says Donny Rees, an assistant supervisor with Building Code Enforcement.

The house was apparently purchased by an investor who is the process of renovating it for sale.

City inspectors say they received a tip and when they showed up there were no permits and a number of safety hazards.

"There?s no foundation," says Rees.

Rees says the contractors look to be trying to hide the defects behind the new construction.

Rees says the work crews were driving a van with Orange County tags. The workers gave city officials a number of long distance numbers and have yet to reach the owner. The termite-damaged walls are so thin, you can stick a pen through them.

Inspectors say the city will demolish the house.

"I think it is fraudulent activity," says Davidson.

The city will place a lien on the property to pay for the demolition.

If you're buying a home that was renovated by an investment company or an investor, ask for the permits and inspection reports, or call 630-CITY to report a problem.

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