FORNEY, Texas – The memories are still vivid to all those who witnessed an EF-3 tornado which touched down in Forney more than two years ago on April 3, 2012.
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Today, most victims of the storm have either moved on or rebuilt their homes – luckily no lives were lost and only minor injuries were reported. However, one home stands as a reminder of the storm on Sparrow Drive in the Diamond Creek neighborhood of Forney, Texas.
The home was in the direct path of the storm and took significant roof and other damage. The two homes across the street from the home were completely destroyed and only a slab remains at one of the properties.
But 2317 Sparrow Drive is still standing, with its windows and doors boarded up, and large blue tarps strewn across the roof of the home. The only thing living in the home now are barn swallows who have nestled in the eaves.
So why has the home sat for two years in disrepair? According to a neighbor, the home was empty even before the tornado struck which may have caused the long delays on repairing or demolishing the property. The homeowner left the home after her husband passed away in 2011 – she was willed the home but left it to move to San Antonio.
The City of Forney has issued several citations for violations of the property maintenance code in an effort to see repairs made, according to Community Development Director Peter Morgan. However, the only response the city has received was a notice to make further discussions concerning the property with the bank.
According to property records, the home is still titled in the homeowner's name which first purchased it in 2008 when it was valued at $168,240, according to property tax data. The bank is currently working to transfer the title, according to Morgan. Its current value is now only $110,800.
Carolyn Walker, a Diamond Creek resident, said she sees several issues with the house sitting vacant the way it is including dwindling property values and an invitation for crime.
“For the past 13 years I have worked with unsheltered homeless folks in Dallas County,” said Walker. “I assure you, it isn't pretty or petty what goes on in vacant properties.”
“So much good has been accomplished in Diamond Creek since the tornado,” said Walker who wants more pressure on the bank to do what's right for their community.
Moving forward, Morgan stated they will attempt to get a status update from the bank this week. Once the bank receives title, they will need to begin making repairs or voluntarily demolition the home.
If repairs aren't made by the bank or delays continue in the title transfer process, the city could move forward with a demolition proposal through the Building Standards Committee or court intervention, according to Morgan.
As for the home across the street with the slab, a temporary service pole has been installed, red flags mark underground utilities in the yard, and a port-a-potty has been placed near the driveway – a sign of construction to come and a sign of progress.
The home was in the direct path of the storm and took significant roof and other damage. The two homes across the street from the home were completely destroyed and only a slab remains at one of the properties.
But 2317 Sparrow Drive is still standing, with its windows and doors boarded up, and large blue tarps strewn across the roof of the home. The only thing living in the home now are barn swallows who have nestled in the eaves.
So why has the home sat for two years in disrepair? According to a neighbor, the home was empty even before the tornado struck which may have caused the long delays on repairing or demolishing the property. The homeowner left the home after her husband passed away in 2011 – she was willed the home but left it to move to San Antonio.
The City of Forney has issued several citations for violations of the property maintenance code in an effort to see repairs made, according to Community Development Director Peter Morgan. However, the only response the city has received was a notice to make further discussions concerning the property with the bank.
According to property records, the home is still titled in the homeowner's name which first purchased it in 2008 when it was valued at $168,240, according to property tax data. The bank is currently working to transfer the title, according to Morgan. Its current value is now only $110,800.
Carolyn Walker, a Diamond Creek resident, said she sees several issues with the house sitting vacant the way it is including dwindling property values and an invitation for crime.
“For the past 13 years I have worked with unsheltered homeless folks in Dallas County,” said Walker. “I assure you, it isn't pretty or petty what goes on in vacant properties.”
“So much good has been accomplished in Diamond Creek since the tornado,” said Walker who wants more pressure on the bank to do what's right for their community.
Moving forward, Morgan stated they will attempt to get a status update from the bank this week. Once the bank receives title, they will need to begin making repairs or voluntarily demolition the home.
If repairs aren't made by the bank or delays continue in the title transfer process, the city could move forward with a demolition proposal through the Building Standards Committee or court intervention, according to Morgan.
As for the home across the street with the slab, a temporary service pole has been installed, red flags mark underground utilities in the yard, and a port-a-potty has been placed near the driveway – a sign of construction to come and a sign of progress.