Red Bank Commission Approves Motion Allowing Homeowner To Restore House From 1880's

  • Thursday, September 19, 2019
  • Gail Perry

One of the oldest houses in Red Bank sitting on two acres at 124 Brown Town Road had a massive tree fall onto a portion of its roof over a year ago. In trying to repair the extensive damage done, the owner Clinton Cameron has run into one problem after another he told the Red Bank board of commissioners on Tuesday night, where a condemnation hearing was scheduled for the property. 

The house was originally a log cabin made of square hewn logs, built in the 1880’s. In 1892 it was modified with the logs being covered with rough hewn lumber using square nails, for the appearance of a Victorian farm house. It has been featured in articles by the Red Bank Historical Society and in the Chattanooga newspaper in 1924, said Mr. Cameron. The historical society is in agreement that the house should be preserved and restored. It is a remnant of an old German community that used to inhabit Red Bank. 

The damage was done by a 250-year-old tree dropping two massive limbs on two rooms at the back of the house, flattening the roof. One limb was 42 inches in diameter and the other was 36 inches. The tree company hired to remove the limbs dropped another one on the roof to make the problem worse.

Then removal was complicated by record rains, up to 96 inches through the winter last year. The company contracted to tarp the roof left and came back several days later, using tarps that were smaller than the house, which caused them to funnel water into the structure.

Mr. Cameron said he obtained a permit and had power restored so work could be done on the building. He cleaned up the water every day trying to keep it dry. Another tree company brought a crane to remove the branches and tree but had to wait until the ground dried out before it could be used. By then it was April 2019 and the owner received a condemnation notice.

He attempted to get another building permit in April but was denied because of the lack of work that had been done, a result of all the rain. Then the contractor pulled out. Another contractor has been found who specializes in restoration and renovation of old house, but a permit is necessary to start the work. He was given an estimate of $68,700 to restore the building, however that is without plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditions, and without a kitchen. 

The structural engineer hired to review the condition of the house told the commissioners that the tax assessment before the damage valued the building at $69,800. He estimated it would cost $107,000 to restore and bring it up to current codes. That would be like starting from scratch he said. The value of a home is not what an engineer or insurance company puts on it, said Mr. Cameron, it is the value to the homeowner. He told the commissioners that he has cash available to start the work and the ability to get a loan, if needed, to finish it.  

Since Mr. Cameron is committed to doing the restoration and has available funds, the commissioners approved a motion that will give Mr. Cameron time to have the work done as long as the restorations conform to the city’s building codes. 

A resolution passed that amends the rental rates for of the Joseph Glasscock Community Center for private events. The rate will be $140 for four hours, plus $25 for each additional hour plus a $120 cleaning fee. 

An agreement was authorized between the city and Wiser Consultants, LLC for engineering services. Since Red Bank does not have an engineer on staff, the city will be able to use Wiser. This sets the rates for a three-year period.

Road damage has been noticed at Highpoint Drive where there is settling and sinking around an underground stormwater drain. An amount not to exceed $26,829 was approved Tuesday night, for emergency replacement of a storm water drain. 

In her report, Commissioner Ruth Jeno announced a benefit on Oct. 12 for the new Red Bank Food Pantry that will feature Terry Pope’s band. Another fundraiser for the food pantry, the Bluegrass BBQ, was a success that raised $2,569 along with 20 barrels of food being collected. She said that former Hamilton County Commissioner Joe Graham donated banners for the fundraisers and volunteered during the events. 

Commissioner Tyler Howell said that the WWTA should be finished with a project on Memorial Drive in about four to six weeks. 

City Manager Tim Thornbury said that construction along Dayton Boulevard, from Pinehurst to the tunnel, is from of a company that is doing work to improve 5G connections.


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