Ferris To Bulldoze Elderly Woman's 'Unsafe' Home

FERRIS (CBSDFW.COM)- To Jackie Kimbrell, her Ferris home is a "postcard house." But to the city, it's an eyesore and not fit to be lived in.

Kimbrell, 71, said she can't imagine living anywhere else; now she'll have to. On Tuesday, she made a final plea in front of the city's Board of Adjustment. In just 20 minutes, the board voted to bulldoze the home.

"We are not sure if the house is renovated that that will change anything, that there will be an ability to maintain a property," said Eric Strong, Ferris City Manager. "It hasn't happened over the period of 20 years, and I'm not sure what would change that."

Kimbrell's home was supposed to be demolished this summer because the city felt it was unsafe and not up to code. In August, after a CBS 11 report, a group of volunteers arrived to help Kimbrell save her home.

In September, the city asked the group to develop a detailed plan of the renovations and they would consider it.

"I just ask you very sincerely to let these people help me," Kimbrell told the board Tuesday night. "I simply had no money to do the repairs."

The volunteers who put in hours to save the home said they felt the city's quick decision was proof it was never interested in working with them. Joey Cruz, Kimbrell's grandson, told a board member while leaving, "everything that we said up here doesn't matter to ya'll; it apparently doesn't!"

"I would be ashamed to go to bed tonight," said volunteer Cheryl Tippit.

Jeremy Lampier, with Red Oak First Baptist Church, continually pleaded with the board to give them more time.

"We don't kick our community out on the street," he said. "We don't make someone homeless for no reason."

Kimbrell's home is fully paid for, as are the taxes. The city would charge her for the bulldozing, but that could cost thousands. Kimbrell doesn't have that money, so the city may put a lien on her property.

"I always believed I would see my house in its original state," Kimbrell said outside City Hall. "I just can't believe they did this."

Kimbrell has 30-45 days to remove her belongings from the home, officials said.

"We gave them everything they asked for," Tippit said. "The structure engineer told them repairs can be done, we stayed under budget, so there is no reason why we can't do this."