Newnan considering tearing down properties with tornado damage and no signs of repair

NEWNAN, Ga. — Five tornado-damaged properties are on the list for possible demolition by the city of Newnan.

It has been almost exactly a year since an EF-4 tornado ripped through the city, damaging thousands of properties and destroying dozens of homes.

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Only a handful of properties remain abandoned or neglected for the last year, showing little or no action on the part of absent owners.

The city of Newnan’s assistant city manager Hasco Craver said the city recently heard from two owners in recent weeks who have shown some progress.

“The city’s trying to help them get back to where those structures are contributing to the fabric of our community,” Craver said.

One property topping the list for action is a small apartment building on Lagrange Street near Newnan High School. The second-story walls are gone, along with the roof.

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“With all the overgrowth and water that’s been in there, no telling how many rats and stuff will swarm out,” said neighbor Steve West, who lives across the street, has since rebuilt his home and moved back in.

The city said after the limited contact with the current owner, they think their intent is to sell the property.

“It’s our opinion there’s no interest to rebuild, “said Craver.

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A vote on a resolution at Tuesday night’s city council meeting could move to demolish the building if no other progress is shown.

“That owner is essentially then washing their hands of it and the city will go in and take the structure down,” Carver said.

Community rallies to help Newnan tornado victims

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