Jul 24, 2017 2 min read

Finally, the condemnation of property unfit to live in is happening in Washington. To someone who was a plumber in Washington from 1971 to 1991, this is something that is long overdue.

During the period I was active, remodeling a number of these structures, the plumbing inspector and sometimes the code officer were there to inspect the houses, but their reports apparently went unnoticed. Some homes were so filthy, we refused to work in them until they were cleaned.

I don’t know how long this has gone on, but I do know many of these structures are still standing that I made superficial repairs to 25 years ago. Sometimes, the repairs were just enough to keep the city guys from bugging the owners for a little while.

I am happy to see officials in Washington are moving to rid the city of some of these buildings. I just hope they are not picking on a few owners, as there are many unsound buildings. The shame of it all is the people living in them don’t have the income to get out, and slumlords keep raking it in.

Wayne Fine

Parkersburg, W.Va.