MONROE, N.C. — The oldest home in Monroe’s historic district will be torn down, despite hundreds of people trying to save it.
The Laney Lee house was built around 1858.
The home on East Windsor Street has been vacant for years and was willed to a nearby church.
Residents said the church is planning to demolish the home and replace it with a parking lot or garden unless someone wants to relocate the home and preserve its history.
“It’s our responsibility to the future of Monroe and the past to preserve its history,” resident Robert Yanacsek said. “I don’t think it’s been marketed to the public in general. The house, according to the church, is for free for anyone who would like to move it.”
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Monroe’s Historic Commission could have voted to extend demolition 180 days Monday night, but it decided the 161-year-old home can be destroyed immediately.
Theresa Eaman has been a part of the fight over what will happen with the home for years.
She created a Facebook page four years ago to drum up support.
“It’s history,” Eaman said. “How do we know who we are if we don’t preserve the history that is ours?”