Hammer remains undropped at landmark commission

Members of the Historic Landmark Commission came very close to taking action on the Sebron Sneed House at their meeting Monday. The ruins of the house, which are historic, have long stood in disrepair at 1801 Nelms Drive. City attempts to rectify the situation have been slow moving, to say the least. This time around, Historic Preservation Officer Steve Sadowsky issued a caveat that he thought it was “still too early to take action.” Sadowsky advised commissioners to postpone the case once again. “Last time I made an impression on (the owners) by visiting their offices, so I think I will do that again.” Commissioner Terri Myers observed, “I’ve been on the commission for a long time, and I think it’s been on for my entire tenure … it’s been on for six years, at least. I remember when the architect used to actually meet with us.” Sadowsky said that was different ownership, and different negotiations. “We are on it,” he said. The city recently sent a second certified letter and has yet to hear a response. A 60-day limit has not yet been reached, though, and Sadowsky indicated that they should wait out that deadline. “I’m ready for you to drop the hammer,” said Commissioner Alex Papavasiliou. Myers, after repeating the phrase “six years” a few more times, declared, “This is ridiculous. It’s sitting out there like a bump on a pickle, and has been for years.” Sadowsky explained that the next step “could include taking them to Municipal Court” if the city’s Law Department agreed. Commissioners voted to postpone the case to their next meeting, which will take place on April 23, with a request that information about next steps and how to take them will be included.