Former La Grange mayor cited for sagging roof on Main Street building

A judge signed a restraining order against a former La Grange mayor Tuesday.

The emergency order prevents Elsie Carter from continuing renovations to her building at 114 E. Main St. due to safety concerns.

A stop-work order was issued by code enforcement officer Jeff Richardson in February after he noticed the second-story roof sagging.

Richardson has said he has concerns about the building’s structural integrity.

Carter is having the second floor balcony renovated, including replacement of the columns that support the balcony’s roof.

Richardson and Mayor Bill Lammlein both testified in Oldham district court on Tuesday that they have seen work continuing on the property since the stop-work order was issued.

Carter, a two-term mayor and former city council member, sought reelection in November 2010, but was defeated by Lammelin. 

City attorney Steve Emery argues that the renovations violate the city’s historical preservation ordinance. 

Special judge Bailey Taylor ruled in favor of an emergency order to stop further renovations for safety reasons but said the issue is not a matter of historical preservation.