CITY OF NAVASOTA ORDERS DEMOLITION FOR FIRE-DAMAGED FUNERAL HOME
An old funeral home in Navasota severely damaged by fire in early March is slated to be demolished.
The Navasota City Council at its meeting this week unanimously ordered the former Jones Funeral Home on South La Salle Street to be demolished within 30 days by building owner Lonnie Turner, Jr. If the owner fails to clear off and clean the property within the timeframe, the city will do so at its own expense, and will place a lien on the property to recover the cost.
According to Community Development Director Lupe Diosdado, an inspection performed on the property on April 20th found the structure to be in violation of two sections of city ordinance. The building was said to present a danger to public health, safety and welfare due to the extent of the fire damage, and because of its condition is deemed unsafe, as well as conducive to harboring vermin, rats, mice, or other disease carrying animals or insects.
Diosdado said the city has reached out to Turner, who said he does not have the funding to demolish the property which includes two buildings, the second of which is also in disrepair.
Documents show that taxes on the property have not been paid since 2011, leading to a balance of over $25,000.