The Houston Mill, also known as the Old McCaskill Mill, will be demolished by the City of Houston, pending ordinance approval and a notice to the owner.
According to Mayor Sam Kelley, April 21 was 14 days since a letter was sent for debris to be cleaned up and the building to be stabilized. Debris has not been removed and demolition was done hastily, according to Kelley.
“I feel like not only is the property dangerous,” said Kelley. “It’s more dangerous.”
The city will send a notice to the owner of the demolition, which is expected to be finalized through ordinance during an April 27 special meeting.
“Well, you hate to see a historic building torn down in the city,” said Romines. “But there’s no way it’s safe.”
Other building updates
Lloyd Wells, city administrator, also stated that a dangerous building letter has been posted at 401 Oak St. and three letters were sent to other properties with May 12 deadlines for substantive progress. Wells said that a shipping container near Urbyn Roots Event Center is expected to be removed by the end of May.
Wells also discussed software, iWorQ, with the council that he believes would make the nuisance declaration process more efficient. The cost is $2,600 annually with a $1,300 one-time setup fee. Wells stated that the funds would come from a $4,000 savings on the police department’s current software for a module that would no longer be necessary. No action was taken.
