In 2009, a Florida man inherited his childhood home; 17 years later, he says he spent thousands trying to restore it as code fines topped $700,000 and the city moved toward demolition
A Boynton Beach, Florida, man who inherited his childhood home in 2009 says he is running out of time to save the property after the city moved forward with the demolition process.Javis Sims says he was caught off guard when he recently returned to the house and found a new notice posted on the front door indicating that the city of Boynton Beach Building Division had verified that utilities at the property had been disconnected.According to Sims, the notice is the first documentation he has seen indicating that demolition could be imminent.
Javis Sims inherited his childhood home in 2009
Sims inherited the property after his mother died in 2009. The house has remained vacant since then and has deteriorated over the years.Despite its condition, Sims says his intention has always been to restore the home rather than abandon it.“I have it all right here in writing, everything that I issued to the city… everything that they asked me to do,” Sims said.Sims showed WPTV reporter Vannia Joseph stacks of paperwork that he says document years of communication with city officials. The records include permits, contractor estimates and financial documents.He says he has spent thousands of dollars attempting to move the restoration project forward, although the work never reached the construction stage.“They made me produce bank statements and everything,” Sims said.
Sims says code fines have topped $700,000
Sims says he has spent thousands trying to restore the property as code fines topped $700,000. (Photo: WPTV)
Sims acknowledges that navigating the city’s permitting and inspection process has been a learning experience. He said he was not always aware of the inspection requirements at every stage but maintains that he made a good-faith effort to comply with the city’s demands.During WPTV’s ‘Let’s Hear It’ community event, Sims said he had been unable to live in the property because of code enforcement issues and that fines had accumulated to more than $700,000.“You tell me to put grass in the yard at a house that’s not livable, no water. I do that. It’s just an ongoing process. I just need help,” Sims said.He also described his interactions with the city as frustrating.“The only thing I’ve been getting from the city is the runaround… this is the only time I hear from the city, when they make their next move,” Sims said.
City says property has been unsafe and uninhabitable since 2022
The city says the unsafe and uninhabitable property must now move toward demolition. (Photo: WPTV)
In a statement to WPTV, the city of Boynton Beach said the property has been vacant since approximately 2009 and was officially declared unsafe and uninhabitable in November 2022.City officials said they had worked with Sims for nearly three years, issuing notices, granting extensions and providing guidance on what was required to bring the property into compliance.According to the city, efforts were made to pursue rehabilitation, but required repairs were not completed. Previously issued permits also expired without inspections or construction activity, officials said.The city further said it requested documentation showing that Sims had a viable and funded plan to complete the rehabilitation but did not receive sufficient information within the deadlines provided.
City cites serious safety concerns
Officials said the property presents several safety concerns, including structural instability, roof failure, compromised walls and exposed electrical wiring. The city also said the conditions could pose risks to neighbors and first responders.Because of those conditions, the city said it is required under Florida law to move forward with demolition.The city also confirmed that an asbestos inspection required before demolition has been completed after officials obtained a court-authorized inspection warrant.According to city officials, multiple alternatives to demolition were explored, but demolition is now the only option remaining to protect public safety.
Sims still hopes the house can be saved
Despite the city’s position, Sims believes the property can still be rehabilitated if he is given an opportunity to complete the necessary repairs.“Every time I do something, I had to have an inspection… when I tried to get permits, they wouldn’t be issued,” he said.Sims said attorneys contacted him after WPTV first aired his story and offered to help him navigate the situation. He hopes their involvement could lead to a solution before the city demolishes the property.“I’m hoping something comes of this before the house comes down,” Sims said.
