501 Swann Street Property Condition

At a glance

• What: Vacant, dilapidated single-family dwelling built in 1920 at 501 Swann Street declared unfit for human habitation. Property zoned R-3 in National Register Historic District. Dwelling fails minimum housing standards; extensive repairs determined infeasible due to condition.
• Where it stands: Ordinance approved unanimously September 22, 2026. Property owner (heir) directed to repair or demolish within 90 days; City authorized to proceed with action and place costs as lien after 90 days.
• Next: City to immediately secure property, remove trespasser, install no-trespassing signs, and provide temporary fencing at owner's cost. Property owner working on resolving heir coordination and water bill issues to enable demolition.

Property history and current condition

Building details:

• Single-family detached home, vacant
• Built 1920
• Zoned R-3, located in National Register Historic District
• Dilapidated condition with significant structural failures

Case timeline:

• 2021: Code violation case opened
• 2024: Administrative hearing held
• 2025: Findings of Fact Order issued; deemed unrepairable (dilapidation determination)
• January 2026: Order expired
• September 2026: Ordinance approval

Physical condition:

• Completely boarded up
• Fails multiple minimum housing code standards
• Detached carport occupied by person experiencing homelessness (no one in main structure)
• Boarded with carport in use as shelter

Owner and heir situation

Property owner: Norma Jean Williams (heir of original owner)

• Multiple heirs involved (deceased sister's three children, deceased brother's four children)
• Attempting to gain sole interest from other heirs
• Facing $10,000+ water bill from previous unauthorized occupant
• Utility company (CFPUA) refuses to work with her due to name not on bill
• Required to obtain deed documentation to access utilities

Owner's request: Six months to one year to resolve heir coordination and demolish property herself

Council direction:

• 90-day deadline to begin repairs or demolition
• After 90 days, City authorized to proceed; costs become property lien
• Immediate property security required due to current trespasser with violent tendencies

Public safety concerns

Neighbor reports (Marshall Pickett):

• Current homeless occupant in carport
• Two weeks prior: called police on two homeless individuals in shelter
• One individual threatened verbally and with knife
• Genuine safety concerns for neighborhood

Police involvement:

• Occupant told to leave multiple times but keeps returning
• Claims he was given permission to stay (denied by owner)
• Councilmember Joyner requested WPD Assistant Police Chief provide no-trespass order before owner leaves

Council response (Mayor Saffo):

• Directed immediate property security given safety concerns
• Priority on no-trespassing enforcement
• Authorization for temporary fencing to prevent further habitation of outbuildings
• Fencing costs to be charged to property owner

Potential resolution

Sue Boone offer:

• Expressed willingness to purchase property
• Would restore to original condition (estimated $340,000)
• Would take on property liens

City assistance:

• Councilmember Lyle asked if Staff could assist with demolition quote (City would bid job out)
• City demolition process explained but would result in City controlling project

Motion history

September 22, 2026:

• Ordinance Directing Housing Inspector to Vacate, Close, and Repair or Demolish the Dwelling at 501 Swann Street as Unfit for Human Habitation
• Motion by Councilmember Andrews
• Second by Mayor Pro-Tem Spears
• Vote: 7-0 (unanimous)
• Second reading waived (motion by Councilmember Clinton-Quintana, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Spears, 7-0)

Sources

• City Council regular meeting minutes, September 22, 2026: https://wilmington.granicus.com/MinutesViewer.php?view_id=25&clip_id=7313&doc_id=2af13546-c252-11f1-89ef-005056a84798
• Wilmington City website: https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov

Log

2026-09-22 - City Council

Public hearing held on dilapidated property declared unfit for human habitation. Community Standards Manager Joe Garnett presented case timeline and property condition documentation. Property owner Norma Jean Williams explained heir coordination difficulties and water bill debt. Neighbor Marshall Pickett reported safety concerns with current homeless occupant. Sue Boone offered to purchase and restore property. Council approved ordinance with 90-day deadline; directed immediate property security, no-trespass enforcement, and temporary fencing.