The City of Roswell has officially begun demolition and environmental abatement of five unsafe and deteriorating structures located at Leita Thompson Memorial Park and the Bowen/Highway 92 property.
These structures, damaged by storms, repeated vandalism, and years of degradation, have long been identified as public safety hazards.
These properties have become hazards to the community and must be removed to protect the health, safety, and quality of life of our residents,” said Mayor Kurt Wilson. “This project represents our commitment to Service Excellence — proactively addressing risks, responsibly investing City resources, and ensuring our public spaces remain safe and welcoming for everyone.”
- Leita Thompson Brick House & Garage – storm-damaged and structurally unsalvageable.
- Leita Thompson Cabin – abandoned, unsafe, and infested with rodents and bats.
- Yellow House (Highway 92) – structurally unsafe, highly visible, and repeatedly vandalized.
- Bowen Brick House – containing asbestos and lead paint with extensive structural issues.
- Bowen Trailer – irreparably damaged.
Approved by Mayor and Council on June 24, the $238,315 contract with Prime Contractors is funded by insurance reimbursement and Parks Capital Improvement Project Maintenance.
Steven Malone, Director of Recreation and Parks, emphasized the impact on residents. “Leita Thompson Memorial Park is one of our community’s most treasured green spaces. Removing these unsafe structures not only eliminates safety risks but also enhances the overall park experience for our residents and visitors.”
The demolition project reflects Roswell’s ongoing strategic initiative of Service Excellence, which ensures City services are delivered with accountability, efficiency, and responsiveness.
The City will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.
Images of the current conditions of these structures are available below.
