Latest news with #TravisCopenhaver

Yahoo

Town of Alderson Mayor addresses community concerns regarding building demolitions

ALDERSON, WV (WVNS) – Town of Alderson Mayor Travis Copenhaver recently made a post on Facebook regarding three house demolitions that were taking place. Alderson residents seek answers regarding flood damage assistance These houses were damaged by fires. Some commenters addressed their concerns about how the town is going about these demolitions, as well as how they are affecting property owners and their families. Mayor Copenhaver clarified to 59News that these demolitions fall under Chapter 39-b code enforcement and are being worked on by their private property owners. He said their code enforcement officer issued notices to the property owners, after the officer notice these properties were not up to code. Chapter 39-B requires owners to not leave the house standing after being demolished by a fire. 'The town is not demolishing anything. The issue is that threats to public safety exists when houses are more than 50% demolished by fire. In fact, the one that is on Riverview Avenue right now is at least 90% demolished by fire,' said Mayor Copenhaver. Mayor Copenhaver explained each property owner has all taken different steps to adhere to this ordinance. The owners of one house plan to build back but will have to comply with the floodplain ordinance to raise the house. Another house was owned by a person who is deceased. Alderson's zoning manager has been working with the family to remedy that house's situation according to Copenhaver. In each instance, the zoning manager has worked with the property owners to find a resolution. 'We do not go off on witch hunts trying to force anybody to do anything. There are many attempts to get people to do the right thing before it ever goes to enforcement and these three properties are proof that our process works,' added Mayor Copenhaver. Judge rules that NIOSH programs must return 59News reached out to some of the others involved in this situation but have not heard back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.