The Hobbs City Commission passed Resolution No. 7657, determining three properties—525 North Burke Street, 408 East Humble and 103 East Vega—are ruined, damaged and dilapidated and require remediation.
Staff presented evidence at the hearing that the properties are publicly accessible, have structural and safety defects and have been nuisance sites in their neighborhoods. Jessica Silva, community services superintendent, described 525 North Burke as having a failing foundation, missing roof sections, debris, tall weeds and an RV possibly occupied in the backyard; the condemnation process for that property began in February 2025 and the owner has not been located. Silva said the city’s inspections showed public accessibility and hazardous conditions.
Staff reported condemnation proceedings on 408 East Humble began in January 2024; the owner is deceased and, as of July 1, no probate filings existed. The structure at 408 East Humble has extensive fire damage and trash and has been a continuing nuisance to the neighborhood, staff said.
The commission separated the three properties to vote first on 525 North Burke and 408 East Humble; that motion passed on roll call with Commissioners Smith, Mills, Fields, Penick, Girth and Mayor Pro Tem Calderon voting yes.
Discussion on 103 East Vega focused on standing and recent activity at the property. Staff told the commission the property had received about 29 code calls since 2021, had an illegal fence made from wood pallets and a wooden structure deemed structurally unstable by inspectors. Dakota Reynolds, who said he occupies the property and that his family had been repairing it after his grandmother’s death, asked the commission not to condemn the house. He said, “we busted our butts on it” and asked that the record reflect recent cleanup efforts. Reynolds also disputed the number of calls, saying many were from a neighbor.
Representatives of the probate estate, Richard and Donna Frederick, told the commission they hold the original warranty deed, paid about $7,700 to clear an escrow and that Donna Frederick had been appointed special administrator in probate. Richard Frederick said they were filing for eviction to remove occupants and intended to clean and bring the property into compliance once they had possession. He requested a period to complete eviction and cleanup.
City staff and the Fredericks asked the commission to condemn the property now to preserve the city’s progress on code enforcement while allowing the estate time to act. Staff indicated the city could refrain from taking enforcement action for up to 90 days if the Fredericks requested that in writing and later rescind condemnation upon demonstration of compliance. A merits hearing in probate was noted as set for Sept. 22.
A motion to condemn 103 East Vega passed on roll call with Commissioners Smith, Fields, Penick and Girth and Mayor Pro Tem Calderon voting yes; Commissioner Mills abstained. The commission’s action places the properties into the city’s condemnation process; staff said the Fredericks may submit a written request to delay enforcement while they pursue eviction and probate so that if the property is restored the condemnation may be rescinded.