Staff Writer

The latest nuisance ordinance for the City of Thomaston isn't collecting dust. Officers with the Thomaston Police Department are using the ordinance to the community's advantage by repairing unsightly areas.

The ordinance was passed last October by the Mayor and City Council and gives the City extra protection when it comes to demolition of homes.

Yesterday, Officer Bobby Ellington met with a Fulton County woman about property on Barnesville Street that is in dilapidated condition.

According to reports, the property located at 709 Barnesville Street has been vacant for a while, but officers have had problems with homeless people sleeping at the residence.

Former tenants of the residence have been cited for nuisance property including littering, abandoned automobiles, dogs running loose and theft of service.

LaRose D. Coar, who owns the property, told officers she was unaware of the house's condition. She was sent a letter about the house's condition at the beginning of October after the ordinance was passed.

Coar has reportedly agreed to pay for the demolition cost of the 1,380 sq. feet residence and leave a vacant lot. The house was built in the 1920's and the home and property are valued at approximately $11,000.

Reportedly, she was given the option to bring the house up to code, which would require major renovations due to the holes in the foundation walls, ceiling, no window and electric outlets being out of code.

If Coar would have chosen to not have the house demolished and did not bring it up to code, the City of Thomaston could have stepped in and placed a lean on the residence to have it demolished.

Coar owns other property on Barnesville Street, but reportedly none of those houses are in dilapidated condition.

Authorities say they have a list of houses they are looking into to help improve the appearance of the neighborhoods in Thomaston.