The Building Advisory Appeals Board voted unanimously on Oct. 6 to extend the compliance deadline for the duplex at 132–134 Northeast Ninth Street and to return the case to the board on Feb. 2 for progress review.

Staff said the property first came to the department’s attention in January after repeated complaints and police responses for illicit activity. Staff reported that the structure was once in very poor condition — missing wall sections, a failing roof — and that the property has since been cleaned, partially demolished inside and the roof replaced.

Felipe Espinosa, who said he lives at 11241 McCree Road in Dallas and is serving as property manager for his sister, described extensive cleanup and repairs: “I…did about 15 dump trailers, purchased a dump trailer, completely cleaned around it,” and said contractors have repaired the roof and are prepared to pursue permits and a phased rehabilitation plan. Espinosa told the board his sister secured a $50,000 loan for the roof and that the family has prepared a multi-phase 30/60/90/120-day plan for structural, plumbing and electrical repairs.

Board members asked about permits and timeline. Staff said the contractor must resubmit a rehab permit application and that some permit-processing time would be included in any extension. The board’s attorney noted an order remains attached to the property and that subsequent purchasers take title subject to the board’s orders until compliance is achieved.

Board member Avery moved to extend the compliance deadline and continue the matter to the Feb. 2 meeting; Miss Oliver seconded. The motion passed 8-0.

The board requested that the four-page phased plan Espinosa referenced be submitted to staff and entered into the public record so board members and staff could review it prior to the Feb. 2 return hearing. Staff said it would accept the materials by email for distribution to the board.

The chair closed the hearing after the motion and the board proceeded to citizens’ comments and adjournment.