Dilapidated houses raise concern

While offering his appreciation for a recent upgrade to Pidcoke Street, Gatesville resident Steve Rolfing told the Gatesville City Council that he is concerned about the impact of two dilapidated houses on nearby Lutterloh Street.

Rolfing made the comments during the visitor's forum portion of the December meeting of the Council.

"I am thankful for you overlaying the road on Pidcoke and a couple of other nearby streets," Rolfing told the Council. "The work went real smoothly, and with several houses on the street being completely renovated, it's appreciated."

The two houses of concern that Rolfing referenced are at 409 Lutterloh.

Records from the Coryell County Central Appraisal District show that the homes are owned by Thomas Dean Edwards, who has several other properties on the city's list of substandard properties, including 2301 Bridge St.

Rolfing said the houses on Lutterloh "are right around the corner" from Pidcoke Street and are "badly dilapidated."

He asked the city to keep those houses in mind when taking action on substandard houses.

"I know the city has some 60 houses on its substandard list, but I want to put those two forward," Rolfing said.

He said at least one of those houses at 409 Lutterloh are full of rats, and that a neighbor "has spent quite a bit of money getting rid of rats at his house" because of the infestation at the dilapidated Lutterloh Street homes.

Although the Council cannot take any action related to items that are not on the official agenda, Mayor Gary Chumley thanked Rolfing for the information he provided.