Laredo committee delays demolition at 3702, grants resident 30 days to clarify ownership

A City of Laredo Code Enforcement Committee meeting on an unspecified date paused plans to demolish a deteriorating house at 3702 and agreed to give the occupant 30 days to clarify ownership and pursue options, after staff recommended demolition.

The action followed staff testimony that demolition was recommended because the structure posed hazards. A staff member told the committee, “Yes. That is recommended demolition,” citing visible damage and open doors and windows.

Darlene, a resident who spoke at the meeting and identified herself by first name, said she does not own the property and cannot afford an attorney to establish title. “It is not mine,” she said, adding that the porch and roof were failing and that windows and doors were open. She said she had tried to locate the owner and had spoken with others about the situation.

Committee discussion centered on balancing an enforcement timeline with the resident’s claim that she is not the owner. One committee member asked, “You wanna give her 30 days more to before we make this decision, I guess, if she can clarify with the staff what she can be doing?” A second committee voice summarized the practical effect as delaying demolition to allow the resident time to pursue title or other options.

The committee’s agreed next step was a 30-day delay before pursuing demolition; staff will work with the resident to clarify ownership and report back. The committee did not approve demolition at the meeting and did not record a formal vote on demolition during the record provided.

The record shows staff described visible hazards at the property (porch in disrepair, open windows and doors). The resident said she had been trying to find responsible parties but had not succeeded and cannot afford legal help to establish ownership. The committee’s delay preserves the property for at least 30 days while staff assists in clarifying ownership and potential next steps.