Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville City Council in a 4-2 vote, voted to demolish a house that has been in a family for over 100 years. This is after months of back and forth with the city and the Robinson family since April of this year.
Native Prattville residents Debra and her husband Robert L. Robinson Jr. have been to numerous city council meetings regarding Debra’s family property at 106 7th St. in Prattville. The resolution that was voted in favor of demolition Tuesday evening was awarded a 30-day extension from the July 16th city council meeting.
Debrea confirmed that no one has lived in the house the last few years. However, the Robinsons have been working with the city for months, trying to get movement in place to show they are in the process of renovating. Debra confirmed that she presented a permit for renovations at the August 6th city council meeting.
A dumpster was also delivered to the property on August 20th, after it was delivered to the wrong location. The Robinsons also confirmed that they personally took out a loan for a contractor and the renovations, and papers with proof of this were presented to the council Tuesday evening.
“In the middle of July, I was able to get my resources together and get a permit (a permit for renovation). I got my permit and I had it placed on the property and then I started searching to see if I could get any support from the historical society and left messages,” Debra said.
Debra went on to state that she tried to get grants and use other resources. Their last option was to take out a loan. Once the loan was finalized, Debra stated they ordered the dumpster.
Debra stated that her mother was born in that house in March of 1915, and that her grandfather Reverand C.H. Robinson purchased the house and worked as a fireman, manning the firebox of steam engine locomotives.
Both Debra and Robert have lived in Prattville their whole lives, Debra confirmed. Robert worked for the City of Prattville for 28 years, and Debra stated she worked the Board of Education helping special needs kindergarteners for over 20 years.
“We are not spring chickens anymore and we are not trying to create a sob story,” Debra said.
The property was acquired after the passing of Debra’s mother in 1999. Debra stated she started working on the property around 2022, after the passing of a family member that had been living there who did not keep up with the upkeep of the property.
“It really got to a deplorable stage. I worked on it for almost a year and half to get the grounds done and get it where I can keep it manageable,” Debra said.
However, with the diagnosis of stage two breast cancer, and Robert being diagnosed with a rare heart condition, it has been hard to keep up with everything on the property, Debra confirmed.
Councilman Marcus Jackson and Councilman Michael Whaley voted down the resolution to demolish the house on 7th St. in Prattville, where Jackson stated that they’ve showed progress and have done what they’ve been asked to do.
Whaley stated that he had the opportunity to speak to the Robinson’s daughter, Dr. Lavandolyn Robinson. Whaley stated that they talked about having financing secured, a permit secured, they have a dumpster in place, and that they have a preliminary agreement with a contractor to complete the work.
However, having a permit does not supersede a dilapidated structure, which is what the house in question has been labeled.
“After talking with them I do agree they have made an effort. They’ve secured financing, they have a contractor. I don’t know if there’s a signed contract with a contractor or not, but they do have a dumpster on site. I don’t know that I’m necessarily for voting the resolution down. However, I am extending some grace to ensure that something happens, and work begins on the project. They’ve done what we asked them to in this process,” Whaley said.
The EAN reached out to Prattville City Attorney Andrew Odom who stated that there are two potential options that he is aware of at this time for the council to take action, if they so choose.
Pursuant to the council’s own rules and procedures, which are public record, in section 11 of those rules and procedures states that motions to reconsider must be brought by a member that voted with the majority at the same or the next meeting of the council.
“So, what that means is should any of the four members that voted in favor desire to bring that back before the council they would have until the very end of the next council meeting to do so,” Odom said.
Odom also noted to the dilapidated structure code of Alabama in section 1153. Odem stated that the property owners could file injunctions with the circuit court, which would divest the jurisdiction from the city council, Odem stated.
Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie stated to EAN that the city could condemn the house and then have a contractor repair it, if it’s over $10,000. However, this option was looked into, Gillespie stated and it was found to not be financially feasible. Without the proper documentation on hand at the time, Gillespie did not have full details on this route.
“It’s sad we are at this point; it has been discussed with the Robinsons for quite some time. We send the best on their project and hopefully they come together quickly with a game plan. Any of our historical structures are very important. I’m still looking to see what all the options are out there,” Gillespie said.
Debra stated that she wants the community to know that they don’t want any special treatment, and they want to be treated fair and equal.
“With limited resources, this is going to take time. I ask for everyone’s prayers, and if anyone can help to volunteer or donate to further this endeavor along it would be appreciated,” Debra said.
Inquiries for to donate or to help, please email the Robinson’s daughter, Lavandolyn, at [email protected].
