Freeport Board of Adjustments gives owners 90 days to remove or repair two unsafe properties; residents press for Bridge Harbor action

During a public hearing, the Freeport Board of Adjustments voted to give property owners of 122 West Seventh and 24 North Avenue A a maximum of 90 days to repair or remove structures the city has declared dangerous, and directed that at least one structure be secured within 10 days.

The board’s action followed presentations by Shelby, a building-department staff member, and public comments from property owners and residents. Shelby told the board the first notice for the 122 West Seventh property was sent on July 16, 2024, and that she declared the building a dangerous structure on Dec. 23, 2024. Shelby said no demolition progress had been made as of the Dec. 23 inspection and recommended demolition.

The owner of 122 West Seventh, Margaret Matthews, told the board she does not live at the vacant structure and said she is “in the process of getting that taken down.” Matthews said the house is “very dangerous” and that she has lined up help but needs time and funds. “I can make progress every 30 days if I’m given that, you know? I mean, it’s not gonna disappear overnight,” she told the board. Board members agreed to give Matthews 90 days to complete demolition or repairs, with the requirement that the property be secured within 10 days and periodic check-ins on progress.

On 24 North Avenue A, Shelby said a fire on July 8, 2024, left the structure more than 50% damaged, requiring engineering plans for repair. Shelby said the building official declared that structure dangerous on Dec. 23, 2024, and that the owner had told city staff they were awaiting insurance settlement before demolition. Melinda Gonzales, speaking for the owners, said the household had been displaced and was still waiting on the insurer: “I never said it was gonna be knocked down within 2 weeks. We are waiting for the insurance still.” The board gave the owners up to 90 days and noted the property must remain secured while the period runs.

Both motions passed by voice vote. The board recorded the motions and directed staff to provide written notices showing the 90-day deadlines and to monitor progress; board members discussed 30-day status checks during the period. The board repeatedly emphasized that the 90 days represented the maximum extension it could grant after the items had been brought before the Board of Adjustments.

City staff also reported updates on prior board orders. Shelby said the city contractor removed the structure at 119 West Sixth Street and graded the lot per an October 2024 BOA order; the accessory structure at 802 West Seventh Street and the structure at 120 West Fourth Street also were removed and graded under prior orders. On 411 Sailfish Lane (Bridge Harbor/Bridge Harbor Condominiums), Shelby said contractors were removing dilapidated boats, construction fencing and no-trespassing signs were in place and some apartments on Dock F had been vacated. She said the redevelopment effort remains complex as bidders find additional conditions and the developer continues to vet contractors.

Resident Carla Clark, who identified herself as a Bridge Harbor resident, pressed the board for more information and said promises made in prior meetings had not been fulfilled. “It has been over 100 days since we were promised… and the residents of the Bridge Harbor Condominiums also… nothing has been done,” Clark said, describing ongoing safety and access problems at the site and asking that the developer provide a status update to residents.

Shelby told the board she had contact from Mr. Ryan Kaye and that he was still pursuing contractors and regulatory approvals; the board asked staff to invite him to the next meeting to provide a fuller update. No formal action was taken on Bridge Harbor at this meeting beyond requesting a developer update.

The board closed the public hearing after the votes and directed staff to supply the written deadline notices and to report back on progress at the end of the 90‑day periods.