logo Call Disaster Response for Emergency Water Damage Clean-Up
  • 24/7 Emergency Response - Call Now!
  • Stop The Damage Before Mold Forms
  • Our Home Inusurance Claim Experts Are Ready
  • Learn How We Help Families With Water Damage

TruRenu

Ed Davenport
5395 Sugarloaf Parkway Suite 300 Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Contractor's Bio

Water Damage Restoration in Macon-bibb County, GA

Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.

Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Middle Georgia State University Macon Campus in Macon-bibb County to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Macon-bibb County, GA is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.

Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Macon-bibb County. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.

Disaster Review

What Our Clients Are Saying

Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:

insurance claim process
Navigating the insurance claim process

We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.

quality completion
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion

We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.

You might also be thinking about:

safety and health

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

assessment

Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.

expenses

Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.

structural

Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.

Protecting

Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.

You might also be thinking
might also be thinking
Minimizing

Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.

trustworthy

Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.

Ensuring

Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.

updates

Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.

involved

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

At Disaster Response

At Disaster Response, It's All About You

Like Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon-bibb County, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Macon-bibb County.

Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.

We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.

The Disaster Response Difference

number-one

Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes

In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.

number-two

Insurance Advocacy

Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

number-three

Satisfaction Guaranteed

We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.

Disaster-Response Difference
Disaster Owner

Ed Davenport

TruRenu

Disaster Response Introducing TruRenu: The Premier Choice for Emergency Clean-Up**

At Disaster 911, we're elevating the standard with ( TruRenu ), our trusted go-to contractor for emergency clean-up services. While others may settle for the status quo, ( TruRenu ) takes an innovative approach to restoration.

From water and fire damage to mold remediation, ( TruRenu ) doesn't just follow industry norms-they set new ones. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that ( TruRenu ) exceeds expectations, delivering cutting-edge solutions for your emergency needs.

When you choose Disaster 911 and ( TruRenu ), you're opting for a dynamic partnership that prioritizes effective, next-level recovery. Don't settle for the ordinary-when disaster strikes, choose the best in emergency response.

5395 Sugarloaf Parkway Suite 300 Lawrenceville, GA 30043

lm-phoneCall Us
Guide-Water-Damage.png

Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Macon-bibb County, GA

Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.

As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to JohnWesley Villas, Macon in Macon-bibb County for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.

What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Macon-bibb County, GA, Different from Others?

One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Macon-bibb County?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.

But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:

Investing-damage

Cost

Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.

specialized training

Technicians

Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to

disasters happen quicker

Time

Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Amerson River Park in Macon-bibb County. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.

significant investments

Tools

Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.

helping with water damage

Process

For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.

Reliable Water Damage

Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network

We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.

What Does Disaster Response Fix?

As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Macon-bibb County, GA, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.

  • Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
  • Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
  • Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
  • Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Hay House in Macon-bibb County, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response Fix

Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.

What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?

We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Macon-bibb County restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:

Infrared

Infrared Cameras

Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.

Moisture

Moisture Meters

We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.

Air Movers

Air Movers

This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.

Generators

Ozone Generators

These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.

Xtractor

Xtreme Xtractor

This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.

Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About

Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Macon-bibb County, GA, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:

Clean Water Damage

Clean Water Damage

Clean

This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.

Gray Water Damage

Gray Water Damage

Gray-Water

Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.

Black Water Damage

Black Water Damage

Black-Water

The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.

If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:

Stop the Source of Water
  • Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
  • Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
  • Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.

Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Macon-bibb County, GA

Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.

We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.

After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.

Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.

  • Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
  • Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
  • Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
  • Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
Disaster Response Fix

The Water Damage Company in Macon-bibb County, GA, You Can Trust

When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Dovetail in Macon-bibb County. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.

As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.

Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Macon-bibb County rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.

Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!

Latest News in Macon-bibb County, GA

Weather Impact Alert | A breakdown of the damages, power outages and more due to Tropical Storm Helene

Tropical Storm Helene approached Central Georgia on Thursday and brought plenty of storms with it. Here's a full look at the impactsCredit: WMAZMACON, Ga. — Even though Tropical Storm Helene has not made landfall yet, the impacts in Central Georgia have already been felt. Some tornado warnings and heavy rainfall have already led to roads being washed out and more....

Tropical Storm Helene approached Central Georgia on Thursday and brought plenty of storms with it. Here's a full look at the impacts

Credit: WMAZ

MACON, Ga. — Even though Tropical Storm Helene has not made landfall yet, the impacts in Central Georgia have already been felt. Some tornado warnings and heavy rainfall have already led to roads being washed out and more.

Here's a look at power outages, road closures and damage reports as they stream into the newsroom.

According to Georgia Power and Flint Energies maps, several customers are seeing power outages across Central Georgia.

According to the US Power Outage map, there are over 700,00 people without power in the state of Georgia. As of around 5:30 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 42,538 Central Georgia residents are without power.

Lowndes County has been affected the most by power outages so far, according to the US Power Outage Map. They say 31,545 customers are without power as Hurricane Helene continues through Central Georgia.

Macon-Bibb County:

Houston County: Several roads are closed or blocked in Houston County due to tree's being down, floods or power lines being down. The following roads are closed.

Laurens County: Sherriff said the vast majority of roads in the county are impassible due to downed trees or power lines. Gov. Brian Kemp recently announced that Interstate-16 is fully closed.

Washington County: Sheriff said the vast majority of road in the county are impassible due to downed trees or power lines

Storm Damages and Flood pictures from around Central Georgia

1 / 110

Nicholas Ayerbe

RELATED: Hurricane Helene Live Updates | Missing people in Laurens County after overturned mobile home

RELATED: Hurricane Helene Power Outage Guide | Links to all Georgia outage maps

RELATED: Hurricane Helene | What futureview shows about when Helene's heaviest impacts could hit Central GA

Macon-Bibb County neighborhood to receive 64-units of affordable housing, support for expansion

Macon Housing Authority CEO Mike Austin said the project will be around $17 to $19 million and will take 12 to 16 monthsMACON, Ga. — It’s a new era for the Pleasant Hill community.On Wednesday, Macon-Bibb County mayor Lester Miller, Macon Housing Authority and the Pleasant Hill Neighborhood Organization came together to announce plans to build more affordable housing in Pleasant Hill and to make an effort to revitalize the comm...

Macon Housing Authority CEO Mike Austin said the project will be around $17 to $19 million and will take 12 to 16 months

MACON, Ga. — It’s a new era for the Pleasant Hill community.

On Wednesday, Macon-Bibb County mayor Lester Miller, Macon Housing Authority and the Pleasant Hill Neighborhood Organization came together to announce plans to build more affordable housing in Pleasant Hill and to make an effort to revitalize the community.

“It took a great deal of work between multiple groups to make all this happen, and without this step, the future of this block would still be unknown today,” Miller said. “But with this step, we can all help. With residents supporting our organizations, (we can) chart a better future for our children, for our families and more importantly, for this neighborhood.”

Miller and Macon Housing Authority CEO Mike Austin announced that an old school building in the community would be demolished and rebuilt into a new place, which will have 64 new units of affordable housing. Austin said that the project will cost around $17 to $19 million and will take 12 to 16 months to complete.

Austin has had plenty of experience working with affordable housing. He’s recently worked on a few affordable housing projects in the Macon-Bibb area, including a recent $20 million renovation in Mounts Homes.

While he acknowledged it isn’t easy, he said that, with affordable housing being such a prevalent issue, that he is excited to team up with so many to create opportunities for those in need.

“Everybody knows you can’t turn on the news these days and not see a story about the demand for affordable housing. Not just in Macon, but throughout the entire United States,” Austin said. “It is very hard to obtain these days, and that’s why it’s important that we take on projects like this and provide more affordable housing for the residents of our community.”

Alongside the new units of affordable housing, Miller wants to continue to expand the Pleasant Hill community. He said he wants to keep growing the area and making it a great place to live for the current and future residents of Pleasant Hill.

He added that he wants to hear from the Pleasant Hill community themselves on what they’d like. to be added. He gave examples like transforming the old rundown playgrounds into spaces for kids to play, or possibly putting up buildings like a gymnasium, a possible food court or just new open spaces for the community.

“This abandoned area will once again live as a center of the community, and that is truly what makes today a great day for Macon-Bibb County,” Miller said.

Erion Smith, the Chair of the Pleasant Hill Neighborhood organization, has been ecstatic to the neighborhood he’s spent his whole life in expanding, but is also hopeful to grow the historic area.

“We must give honor to our history and our ancestors with what is done here.” Smith said. “Affordable housing must be truly affordable and it must be the right kind of housing that will complement a rejuvenation and resurrection of the Pleasant Hill neighborhood.”

Miller, Austin and Smith all noted how important the communication has been between every party involved and all gave thanks to how helpful they’ve been.

Together, they’re excited to bring life back into the historic community.

“It won’t be long (until) we’ll be standing here again (and) cutting a ribbon,” Austin said.

RELATED: Pleasant Hill neighborhood holds 18th annual neighborhood reunion in honor of Juneteenth

RELATED: Pleasant Hill neighborhood celebrates a full year without a homicide

'They just took it all away from me' | Macon homeowner sues Bibb County for demolishing his property

For years, Macon-Bibb has been demolishing houses they call blight. Arnold says he tried talking with county officials to stop the demolition before it happened.More VideosMACON, Ga. — Macon-Bibb County has demolished hundreds of homes in its fight against blight, but one homeowner said they've gone to...

For years, Macon-Bibb has been demolishing houses they call blight. Arnold says he tried talking with county officials to stop the demolition before it happened.

More Videos

MACON, Ga. — Macon-Bibb County has demolished hundreds of homes in its fight against blight, but one homeowner said they've gone too far.

Eric Arnold said the county wrongfully demolished the home he was fixing up. Now, he's taking the county to court.

Wednesday morning, Arnold and his lawyers held a press conference where the house used to stand and announced he's suing Macon-Bibb. Arnold said he was fixing the property up for his family to live in one day, so he is devastated.

"When I think about it, I tear up because I knew what I had planned for this property," Arnold said.

Eric Arnold and his lawyer Christie Hebert said they want justice and answers from the county about why they are demolishing so many properties.

"Eric's lawsuit isn't about just one man's house. It's about protecting the constitutional rights of all property owners in Macon-Bibb County," Hebert said.

Arnold bought the property at 1151 Sunnydale Drive in February 2022. According to county tax records, Arnold bought the home for $15,000.

He said he found out the county planned to demolish his home when they placed a dumpster on his property. He tried talking with county officials to stop the demolition. They demolished his home in November 2023.

“It's like they just took it all away from me,” he said. “They took my dignity away from me. They took... like I wasn't even a person. Like 'You don't even exist, we just going to do what we want. This is our town.'”

Arnold and his lawyers said they want the county to reimburse them for the value of the house and for the renovation materials stored there.

Jerry Collins lives a few houses down. He said this isn't the first time he's seen the county demolish a home in his neighborhood that the owner was trying to rehab.

"There's a lot of folks who are doing their best to bring a lot of these old houses back to life and revitalize the neighborhood,” he said. “And I see good things but if this keeps up those good things may not happen and that's what really concerns me."

For several years, Macon-Bibb has been demolishing houses they call blight. They're usually vacant, unkept homes that the county calls a nuisance. Arnold said he paid his taxes on the property and got the permits he needed before the county tore down his house.

"I did everything I was supposed to do,” Arnold said. “I thought I was ok. I wasn't ok. They still knocked my house down."

According to county tax records, the owner filed an interior renovation permit with the intent to completely rehab the house on Nov. 14, 2023. According to Arnold, the home was demolished Nov. 15, 2023.

The county and code enforcement officials sent a statement regarding the issue.

“We have not yet been served any lawsuit regarding this property so cannot comment on the specifics,” Macon-Bibb County said. “However, we are aware of the demolition on Sunnyvale Drive. A letter designating it as a Nuisance Per Se and blighted and that it would be torn down if not repaired was provided several years ago, as well as notice posted on the property. The letter is not legally required for this process, but we provide it as a form of notice and allow the property owner the option to fix their property. The property was sold in February 2022 (after it was deemed blighted), and Code Enforcement provided the new homeowner nearly 20 months to pull any construction permits or fix it up. No permits were pulled, and we were not made aware of any improvements made before the demolition permit was pulled in August 2023. There were still several months between that and when demolition of the blighted structure occurred.”

RELATED: Macon-Bibb County neighborhood to receive 64-units of affordable housing, support for expansion

RELATED: 'We don't need anything else back there' | Nowell Estate neighbors oppose church proposal plans

RELATED: Early voting for the presidential election opens in October | Are you registered to vote?

Renovator says Macon violated his rights when city tore down his property, wants payment

A man who bought a blighted property in Macon with plans to renovate it is suing Macon-Bibb County because he says they “unconstitutionally” destroyed the site.Eric Arnold, a renovator, says he bought the property at 1151 Sunnydale Drive in February 2022 to turn it into a home for his children or a rental property. But after months of renovation, a demolition crew attempted to install a dumpster in his front yard. The crew eventually told Arnold that the county ordered them to demolish the house.Arnold alleges there...

A man who bought a blighted property in Macon with plans to renovate it is suing Macon-Bibb County because he says they “unconstitutionally” destroyed the site.

Eric Arnold, a renovator, says he bought the property at 1151 Sunnydale Drive in February 2022 to turn it into a home for his children or a rental property. But after months of renovation, a demolition crew attempted to install a dumpster in his front yard. The crew eventually told Arnold that the county ordered them to demolish the house.

Arnold alleges there was no notice given, nor was there a court proceeding to plead his case. He said they defied his constitutional rights. Arnold is asking for a jury to hear his case and be paid back the cost of the house, plus any expenses used to renovate the house. Christie Hebert, a lawyer representing Arnold in this case, says the exact amount is up to the jury to determine.

“Eric was actively renovating the house, investing his time, resources and considerable skills as an accomplished carpenter and home renovator,” Hebert said as she stood alongside Arnold and supporting attorney Michael Cooper in front of what was left of the property. “There simply was no reason to demolish Eric’s house, but the county demolished it anyway.”

His lawsuit says he visited the code enforcement department, mayor’s office, county attorney’s office and planning and zoning office to understand why his house was being planned for demolition. Other than confirmation that a demolition permit was issued for his house, he said he never found out their explanation and he wasn’t able to prevent the tear-down.

His house was completely demolished by Nov. 15. Code enforcement officers showed up armed to ensure that the house would be demolished, according to the lawsuit.

“Although Eric’s house was a work in progress, it certainly wasn’t a public menace requiring unilateral, extrajudicial, and expedited demolition,” Arnold’s lawyers wrote in the lawsuit.

“I moved to Georgia with a vision of generational wealth for my kids, my grandkids,” said Arnold. “That process came to a halt.”

But Macon-Bibb County officials say adequate notice was given that the house was set to be demolished.

Chris Floore, chief communications officer for Macon-Bibb County, said a letter declaring Arnold’s house a nuisance and a warning of its demolition were both posted on the property. The letter is not legally required for this process, he said, “but we provide it as a form of notice and allow the property owner the option to fix their property.”

Code enforcement allegedly gave Arnold 20 months to fix up the house or provide permits, but they were unaware of any improvements made before the property was demolished, Floore said.

Macon-Bibb County has frequently torn down blighted buildings in Macon, and has championed the effort as the “blight fight,” seeking to put more useful homes and buildings in the place of torn down properties.

Arnold’s attorneys claim that his experience is just one example of the county’s “aggressive” effort to tear down buildings in the last few years. They say that, when the county is eyeing a property to demolish, they must first clear it with the court.

Arnold’s lawsuit asserted that the county could only move forward with demolition against an owner’s wishes if the owner fails to comply with a court order over the property. That court process is supposed to give people such as Arnold a chance to be heard. They also argued that blighted homes must be unocuppied and in very poor condition.

However, Mayor Lester Miller has the power to determine if blighted houses are nuisances without going through the court, according to the county’s code of ordinances.

The lawsuit Arnold is bringing against Macon-Bibb County so the court could recognize that “Macon-Bibb County’s secretive, expedited and summary process for demolishing houses is unconstitutional,” according to the suit.

This story was originally published September 18, 2024, 3:26 PM.

The Telegraph

478-744-4636

Alba Rosa, from Puerto Rico, is a local courts reporter for The Telegraph in Macon, Georgia. She studied journalism at Florida International University in Miami, Florida where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in December 2023. Other than journalism, she likes to make art, write and produce music and delve into the fashion world.

Macon man files lawsuit against Macon-Bibb County after demolition of home

Arnold's lawsuit accuses Macon-Bibb County of retaliation, claiming officials sped up the process of demolishing the home after Arnold increased efforts to avoid it. MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bibb County homeowner Eric Arnold has filed a lawsuit against the county after his house on Sunnydale Drive was torn down.Arnold says he purchased his house in 2022, hoping to repair it and turn it into a future home for his children or a rental property. He says he has worked as a carpenter and home renovator for decades, dism...

Arnold's lawsuit accuses Macon-Bibb County of retaliation, claiming officials sped up the process of demolishing the home after Arnold increased efforts to avoid it.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bibb County homeowner Eric Arnold has filed a lawsuit against the county after his house on Sunnydale Drive was torn down.

Arnold says he purchased his house in 2022, hoping to repair it and turn it into a future home for his children or a rental property. He says he has worked as a carpenter and home renovator for decades, dismissing the notion that the home could not be properly restored.

“That’s what I’ve done for 40 years,” Arnold said Wednesday. “And they told me, ‘You can’t touch that house.’ So, it was just a bullying type of tactic that they used to try to scare me from touching my own house.”

Arnold’s lawsuit accuses Macon-Bibb County of retaliation, claiming officials sped up the process of demolishing the home after Arnold increased efforts to avoid it.

Arnold was at his other Macon home in September 2023 when his neighbor on Sunnydale Drive called to inform him that a demolition crew was installing a dumpster on his property. Eric says he talked and met with county officials to stop the demolition, while continuing his work to restore the property. Arnold claims he was taken by surprise when the home was torn down two months later due to a lack of communication from officials.

“I had no idea that they were knocking down the house until I got a phone call from the neighbor,” Arnold said. “And when I rushed down here, half the house was gone.”

In a statement shared with 41NBC, Macon-Bibb County Chief Communications Officer Chris Floore said the following:

“We have not yet been served any lawsuit regarding this property so cannot comment on the specifics. However, we are aware of the demolition on Sunnyvale Drive. A letter designating it as a Nuisance Per Se and blighted and that it would be torn down if not repaired was provided, as well as notice posted on the property. The letter is not legally required for this process, but we provide it as a form of notice and allow the property owner the option to fix their property. The property was sold in February 2022 (after it was deemed blighted), and Code Enforcement provided the new homeowner nearly 20 months to pull any construction permits or fix it up. No permits were pulled, and we were not made aware of any improvements made before the demolition permit was pulled in August 2023. There were still several months between that and when demolition of the blighted structure occurred.”

In the last three years, the county has demolished close to 800 blighted properties. Institute for Justice attorney Christie Hebert feels the county is moving at a rate that represents clear malpractice. Hebert says this case is a fight not only for Arnold, but for property owners across the county against what she calls “aggressive” efforts to tear down homes.

“It’s about protecting the constitutional right for all property owners in Macon-Bibb County and beyond,” Hebert said. “And if justice is done, the constitutional rights of property owners across the county will be protected.”

Arnold is not yet aware of the amount he’ll seek in damages, but he says it will reflect the amount of time and work he put into trying to restore the home.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
Lm Img Near Me

Service Areas