Milwaukee homes receive letter of demolition more than one month after historic flooding

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- More than a month after the floods impacted people, people in the city of Milwaukee are receiving demolition orders.

Three years ago, Parris Adams bought a home on 63rd and Fairmount. For him, it was a dream come true.

“I’m waking up to the earth shaking,” Adams. “Just starting to get settled into it. Was making plans to make improvements.”

During historic flooding across southeastern Wisconsin, Adams' home saw some of the worst damage.

“There’s literally only one corner up on the front that’s keeping this house intact,” said Adams.

The foundation along his home had been damaged, making it uninhabitable.

“Having to think about the little things is really affecting me,” said Adams.

Earlier this week, he received a letter from Milwaukee's department of neighborhood services. Adams' home was deemed "unreasonable to repair” and needed to be razed.

“It’ll grow into a greater hazard as time goes on so it’s either it’s repaired or it’s destroyed,” said Adams.

The Department of Neighborhood Services says as their team went out to make assessments, at least 54 homes were condemned. Legally the DNS says it has to issue a letter to each of these properties with a 20-day timespan to make a decision about their property. That does not mean your home will be demolished immediately.

“This is my first home and now it’s in ruins,” said Adams.

A DNS spokesperson told CBS 58, residents just have to inform the DNS of their plans, whether that includes waiting for funding or insurance, or if they want to move ahead with demolition. The DNS says even just stating you’re waiting for FEMA funds is an acceptable answer.

Adams says for now, he’s just holding out hope he can save his first home.

“You do the right things, you try to do the right things, and you know, you’re never really prepared,” said Adams.