A home once considered one of the filthiest in Johnson City's history is spick and span tonight, two months after animal cruelty officers found trash, fleas, and animal feces on everything including the kitchen sink. Back in July, two brothers, Darby Phillips and Jeremy Brewer, spent a week in jail for the conditions inside their Lamont Street home.
At the time, Johnson City code enforcers told the pair the house was in violation of city health codes. Tonight, the city is happy to report the home is livable again
"It's definitely livable,” Johnson City Interim Chief Building Official said. “It was to hard believe at the time, but it is livable…I would have never believed that they would have gotten this far."
From the beginning, the city made it clear that demolition of the house would only be a last resort. However, that option does not seem to be on the radar anymore.
Code enforcers snapped pictures inside the house this week, showing more than a dozen cleaning supplies that now surround a clean countertop. Back in July, that countertop was covered in feces. For the first time in a long time, enforcers were also able to see the home's hardwood floors. According to Marcum, the two brothers did everything the city asked and more.
"They were very happy to (clean the house) and they did it and I think, I really think it made an improvement in their lives,” Marcum said.
It also improved the lives of others who live nearby. Hattie Tapp lives just down the street.
"The smell (from their home) was really overpowering,” Tapp said. “Even in my backyard I could smell it. It was just like cat urine. When the wind blew, you just got a good strong whiff of it.”
Tapp is relieved those days are over.
"Now, the house is clean,” Tapp said. “Unbelievable! I thought it would be condemned."
Johnson City code enforcers believe the two brothers are now committed to keeping their home clean. Still, Marcum says his employees will continue to monitor the house to be certain they really have cleaned up their act.
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