Lenoir moves to secure unsafe Willow Street building

The Lenoir City Council unanimously authorized the city Tuesday to close and secure an abandoned industrial building at 397 Willow St. NW after the owner failed to correct structural and fire-safety violations.

Planning Director Hannah Williams said the building had “formally been found unsafe and unfit for any use” after an inspection confirmed structural and fire hazards.

“The building remains unsecured,” Williams said. “Having the structure with broken windows, open doors, siding falling off — it doesn’t align with the priority that we’ve set for that area.”

According to the council’s agenda packet, the building has severe structural damage involving its roof and ceiling, inadequate emergency exits, and conditions that increase the risk of fire. A city notice described it as an “abandoned industrial building with severe structural damages” and “imminently dangerous.”

The property owner received notice, attended an administrative hearing, and was given more than 90 days to secure the building and bring it into compliance. A follow-up inspection Aug. 4 found that the required work had not been completed. Caldwell County records show that Lenoir resident Dustin Hartley has owned the building since 2019. The total assessed value is $70,400.

The ordinance authorizes the city to secure the building and place a notice on its entrance declaring it unfit for use and unlawful to occupy.

Planning materials describe closing and securing the building as the immediate action, rather than tearing it down. The building could remain secured while the current owner makes repairs or until it is sold and repaired by a new owner. The city may pursue additional abatement later.

Williams said Willow Street connects downtown with an industrial corridor and the West End neighborhood, making the condition of the property particularly visible.

Councilmember Jonathan Beal said unsafe buildings also create risks for emergency personnel.

“I really think about our fire and PD because they have to go into these places sometimes, and it’s not a safe place for them to walk into,” Beal said. “Especially if there’s a fire and they got to go clear that building, and it’s already damaged.”

City Manager Scott Hildebran said the Willow Street property is expected to be the beginning of a broader city enforcement effort.

“We have several more coming before you in the next few weeks and months,” Hildebran said. “So, it’s first of many.”

APPROVING REPAIRS TO FIRE STATION

In other action, the council authorized a nearly $3 million project to stabilize Fire Station No. 1 after a damaged storm drain contributed to soil loss, weakened ground beneath the building, and a sinkhole-like depression beside the station.

The council unanimously adopted a $2.993 million project budget and approved a $1.88 million design-build contract with GeoSpecialties LLC.

According to the agenda packet, the storm drain beside the station at 602 Harper Ave. NW is compromised.

GeoSpecialties said in its proposal that soil is entering the damaged drain and washing away during heavy rain, leaving voids that have weakened the ground and may extend beneath the fire station.

The resulting settlement may have stressed the building, causing wall cracks and problems with windows and doors, according to the proposal. Some cracks monitored for several years appear to be widening.

Plans call for injecting grout beneath the station to strengthen the soil, installing micropiles to support the foundation, lining a 20- to 25-foot section of the storm drain, and filling and regrading the sinkhole area.

The project budget includes $2.095 million in local money, a $500,000 state grant, and $397,550 in remaining federal American Rescue Plan funds. Contract documents call for the work to be substantially completed within 12 to 16 weeks after the city issues a notice to proceed.

PUBLIC COMMENT

During public comment, resident Steven Huntley asked council members to “make a statement of the fact that ICE is disruptive and a danger to our community.” The council took no action on his request.