City Council considers action on unsafe property at 916 Zelda Drive

A vacant property at 916 Zelda Drive has been declared a public nuisance by Hurst city officials, prompting urgent discussions at the City Council meeting on May 13, 2025. The building, which has been boarded up multiple times due to break-ins and squatter activity, is reported to be in severe disrepair, with structural issues including broken rafters, foundation problems, and caving walls.

City staff revealed that they have incurred over $2,100 in maintenance costs while securing the property, which does not meet city or international property maintenance standards. Officials are now seeking the Council's approval to either rehabilitate the house or demolish it entirely, citing its unsound structure as a significant concern.

During the public hearing, the current owner, Monica Travis, expressed her commitment to rehabilitating the property. She acknowledged past missteps with contractors but assured the Council that she has now hired a new team experienced in similar renovations. Travis emphasized her desire to learn and improve the situation, stating that her new contractors are prepared to assess the property and begin repairs soon.

Despite her optimism, city officials highlighted a history of communication issues with Travis, noting that she had previously started work without permits and had lost contact with the city for several months. The Council is now faced with the decision of how to proceed with the property, balancing the owner's intentions against the pressing need for public safety and neighborhood integrity.

As discussions continue, the fate of the dilapidated house remains uncertain, with the Council expected to deliberate on the best course of action in the coming weeks.