County Wants Home Declared A ‘Nuisance’

Dumfries, Va. –– Officials in Prince William today will take up the issue of an abandoned home in Dumfries.

The property at 17415 Mine Road has been empty for more than four years after being gutted by fire.

Its roof collapsed and deemed unsafe to occupy, the owner of the home obtained a permit to repair the roof in 2008 after being prompted.

But she never made the repairs, according to county documents.

Between July 2007 and July 2010, the owner was notified at least eight times by county building inspectors to fix the roof and bring the property back up to code.

With no response, on January 3 officials condemned the home and have for tax purposes assessed the property as vacant land.

The woman who owns the home has address in Maryland and a phone number that has been disconnected.

Officials are concerned loiterers could use the home, and that it remains a fire hazard and a prime target for arsonists.

County documents go on to state it has simply become an “attractive nuisance” in which children who live nearby could enter the structure and get hurt.

There are also health concerns, as there is evidence that vermin have been entering the home, according to county documents.

The owner has had an offer from nearby Prince William Forest Park to purchase the land, and if that happens, county officials say it will be the federal government’s responsibility to clean up the property.

A public hearing on what to do with the property could be expected.