La Porte orders demolition of two dangerous structures after public hearings

The La Porte City Council voted to condemn two long‑vacant properties and order their demolition, following public hearings and staff reports.

The council declared the single‑family structure at 122 South Sixteenth Street a nuisance and ordered the owners to begin removal within 10 days and complete demolition within 45 days. City staff reported the property was occupied by squatters; the precinct constable scheduled an eviction and the estate attorney communicated that demolition contractors would apply for permits once the site was vacated.

The council also declared the commercial building at 201 North Third Street a nuisance and ordered its removal on the same 10‑day/45‑day schedule. The property owner, Alan Carbajal, addressed the council and said he had obtained an approved demolition permit and contractors who could complete work in two to four weeks depending on scheduling. Carbajal asked for flexibility if contractor scheduling delayed completion; councilmembers and city staff said the owner’s active permit and contractor scheduling could be coordinated with staff, but the ordinance gives the city authority to demolish the building if work is not completed within the allotted time.

Why it matters: both properties were previously given extensions; the council’s orders formalize timelines for removal and give the city authority to proceed if owners do not complete demolition. Councilmembers and staff noted the potential hazards at both sites—from squatter occupation in one case to extensive concrete and metal structures at the other—and emphasized resident safety and neighborhood conditions.

Council action and process details: the council opened public hearings for both properties, received staff presentations and comments from the owner at 201 North Third Street, and then moved to adopt the ordinances. For 122 South Sixteenth Street the staff report noted estate settlement activity and a planned eviction conducted by the precinct constable; for 201 North Third Street staff confirmed demolition permits were issued. The ordinances order the dangerous building inspection board to place notices on the structures and require the city secretary to forward copies of the ordinances to the owners. If owners do not comply, the city may remove the buildings and assess costs as provided by the ordinances.

What remained unresolved: the owner of 201 North Third Street requested additional time beyond the 45 days if contractor schedules required it; councilmembers and staff said they would work with the owner but retained the ordinance’s deadlines and the city’s right to intervene if demolition was not completed. City staff said they would monitor progress and coordinate inspections during demolition.

The ordinances were read into the record and adopted by the council at the March 11 meeting.