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Hobbs commission OKs condemnation process for seven dilapidated properties
Summary
The commission voted to begin condemnation proceedings for seven properties the city described as ruined, damaged or dilapidated; staff said many owners are deceased or unresponsive and that the city seeks remediation or removal to address public-safety risks.
The City Commission of Hobbs on May 19 approved a resolution to begin condemnation proceedings for seven properties the city identified as ruined, damaged or dilapidated and in need of removal or rehabilitation.
Amber Leah, assistant city attorney, and building official Scott Shedd presented images and descriptions of the properties, which include addresses on East Dunn, North Leech, West Princess Jean, North San Andreas, South Selman and South Starling. Staff told commissioners that several properties have deceased owners or unclaimed mail, broken windows, unsecured doors, burned or collapsed sections, inoperable vehicles and debris that make them accessible to trespassers.
"The first property that we have is at 1620 East Dunn. We began this process in February," the city's presentation noted. Staff said the lot at 1620 East Dunn contains two manufactured homes connected together, dead trees and debris and that one owner is deceased. On 1008 North Leech staff reported a structure fire occurred May 3 and the property has evidence of transient occupation.
Assistant city attorney Leah said the condemnation process allows staff and building officials to enter properties after proper notice and inspection; "after 30 days, myself and Scott are able to enter and do the proper inspection on the inside to see how excessive the damage is," she said. The stated goal of condemnation was rehabilitation where possible; if rehabilitation is not feasible, the city would remove hazards.
Commissioner Penick moved to adopt Resolution No. 76-22; Commissioner Girth seconded. The commission voted yes on the roll call: Mills yes; Fields yes; Calderon yes; Penick yes; Girth yes; Mayor Cobb yes.
Staff listed next steps including publishing notices, attempting to contact heirs where owners are deceased, conducting interior inspections after the statutory notice period and pursuing repair or removal as appropriate.
