Eric Arnold, a homeowner in Macon, Georgia, is taking legal action against Macon-Bibb County officials after his fixer-upper home was demolished without a court hearing. Arnold purchased the property in February 2022 for $15,000 with plans to renovate it for himself and his children. However, his efforts were disrupted when a dumpster appeared on the property and the home was deemed an imminent threat to the community. Despite Arnold’s attempts to comply with necessary permits and tax payments, the home was demolished in November 2023 as part of Mayor Lester Miller’s Blight Fight initiative.
Arnold’s lawyers argue that there were no liens on the property and no public record of Code Enforcement at the time of purchase. They claim that Arnold was not properly informed of the impending demolition, even though the county had listed the home for demolition before he acquired it. Arnold believed he was following all necessary protocols to save the home but was blindsided by the swift action taken by county officials. The property was reduced to a concrete slab and a post where the mailbox once stood, leaving Arnold to seek reimbursement for the purchase price and renovation costs.
Neighbors in the area, such as Jerry Collins, express concerns about the impact of such demolitions on the effort to revitalize and restore old homes in the neighborhood. Collins emphasizes the importance of supporting homeowners who are working to bring new life to older properties and fears that continued demolitions will hinder progress. Arnold’s lawsuit is framed not just as a personal grievance but as a broader effort to uphold the constitutional rights of all property owners in Macon-Bibb County.
Arnold’s legal team, led by lawyer Christie Herbert, argues that the county expedited the demolition after Arnold objected and requested his home be removed from the list. Herbert points out that Arnold had made significant improvements to the property and was in the process of renovating it. Mayor Miller’s Blight Fight initiative, while aimed at removing dangerous structures from neighborhoods, has inadvertently affected homeowners like Arnold who are investing in the restoration of older homes. The lawsuit seeks to hold the county officials accountable for their actions and protect property owners’ rights.
In response to Arnold’s lawsuit, Macon-Bibb County officials maintain that the property was marked as blighted and designated for demolition before Arnold purchased it. They claim that Arnold had a 20-month window to obtain construction permits and make necessary repairs, but they were not made aware of any such efforts. The county asserts that Arnold failed to meet the requirements to save the property from demolition, leading to the eventual dismantling of the home. The legal dispute highlights the challenges faced by property owners in navigating local regulations and protections against aggressive demolition actions by government authorities.
The case of Eric Arnold’s demolished home underscores the complexity of property ownership and renovation projects in Macon-Bibb County. As individuals like Arnold invest time, money, and effort into improving older properties, they are met with challenges and obstacles that can disrupt their plans. The lawsuit brings attention to the need for greater transparency and communication between homeowners and local officials to prevent unjust demolitions and protect the rights of property owners. Arnold’s fight for justice serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding constitutional rights and advocating for fair treatment in property matters.
