CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Kanawha County Commission announced Thursday it plans to demolish 114 abandoned and blighted structures in the unincorporated areas of the county as part of a “major initiative.”
The $1 million project will be financed through a zero-interest loan ($500,000) from the West Virginia Housing Development Fund and money ($500,000) from building permit fees.
The money will be well spent, according to Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper.
“While some might question why this is so costly, there are safety & environmental codes that need to be followed,” Carper said.
The first home will be demolished next Monday, Aug. 7, in the Cross Lanes area.
“Responsible property owners benefit greatly from this program, as their property values are diminished when abandoned houses fill their neighborhoods,” Carper said.
The county will pay contractor Rodney Loftis & Son just under $5.00 a square foot to demolish the structures. An average demolition costs $8,800 when including title searches and asbestos abatement.
The commission has demolished 87 structures in the last four years.