Burke commissioners to rule Monday on Marshallese Church housing appeal

Nine families living in the Marshallese New Beginnings Church in George Hildebrand will find out Monday morning if they can stay there.

The Burke Board of Commissioners will hold a special called meeting at 9 a.m. in the commission boardroom to decide whether the group — about 60 people from the Marshall Islands — will have to comply with a previous order to vacate the premises.

Cited for safety violations, the church submitted late-stage documentation showing contractor Curt Abee has committed to fund and oversee necessary repairs. A previous county estimate placed the repairs at $500,000; Abee estimates $150,000.

• The county condemned the church buildings after years of unresolved safety code violations.
• A March 21 order required occupants to vacate by May 20; a 30-day extension was granted.
• Pastor Tommy Liabwij's group submitted contractor plans and proof of funding May 12.
• Curt Abee, who received a county-issued permit, will fund repairs and provide temporary housing.
• A GoFundMe campaign launched by neighbors has raised just over $4,300 of its $100,000 goal.

A full version of this story will be included in Saturday's edition of The Paper.