Prescott Property Found to Be Unsafe; City Takes Action

Manassas City leaders have given the owner of a historic home, located at the corner of Prescott Ave. and Quarry Road in  Old Town 30 days to come up with a plan of action to secure the unsafe property.

A letter dated May 10 was sent to property owner, Alexandria resident Dorothy Feaganes, requesting that a plan to secure, repair or remove the house be sent to the city manager's office within 30 days.

If the owner does not comply with the terms of the letter within the time allotted, the city may take action at the cost of the homeowner, the letter said. In addition, the owner would also face fines of up to $1,000.

A new Virginia law on Spot Blight Abatement effective last October and adopted by the City of Manassas  allows localities leverage in acquiring or repairing “blighted” properties, The Washington Post reported. 

 “The State law on blight is different now than it was the last time [three years ago] the house was discussion,” said Manassas City Manager Lawrence D. Hughes. "Pursuant to the new law, the City has notified the owners that the house is no longer habitable and that they have 30 days to send the City a plan of action to correct the cited blighted conditions."

A resolution approved at a May 9 regulary-scheduled council meeting set the groundwork for the city to take action. The city may rehabilitate the home or acquire it through eminent domain if the owners don’t act.  

The Queen Anne-style historic home, located at 9300 Prescott Ave., was found to present a danger to the health and safety of the public after the city conducted an inspection of the home. Yellow tape now encircles the home. 

 The move comes after many concerned residents of the city have spoken out about the need for the city to do something about the eyesore at the ‘gateway to the city.’

Residents have even organized their own work group sessions to discuss the city's options when it comes to  fixing-up the home.

Most residents say they want to see the home restored, not torn down.

“Once the historic homes are gone, they’re gone,” one resident told council members at a recent meeting. “They just don’t make them anymore.”

So what if the home's owner fails to meet the conditions of the letter? For now, city officials say they  are waiting to see if the owners act. But one thing is for sure if no one does anything then the home  will ultimately  be torn down or just crumble to the ground on its own.

Read full Washington Post story.