Building board orders demolition of long‑vacant structure at 10466 Countryhorn after residents’ pleas

The City of San Antonio Building Standards Board on April 3 ordered demolition of a long‑vacant house at 10466 Countryhorn, following extensive public comment from neighbors who described repeated vandalism, animal infestation and safety concerns for students walking nearby.

Bergarian Bledsoe, dangerous premises officer, presented photos showing a cross‑gable roof with large holes, interior drywall collapse and pervasive water damage; staff recommended repair, noting the owner had expressed a desire to repair but reported insufficient funds and missed appointments with neighborhood housing programs.

Neighbors and other residents provided multiple on‑the‑record statements and emailed comments describing graffiti, an unsecured back fence that opens onto a greenbelt, vagrant activity, and a long‑standing hole in the roof. "The back of the house faces a green belt, which at a diagonal faces the main through street Horn, which is all the school traffic comes through," said Anna Bierworth, a nearby resident. Dozens of emailed statements read into the record urged demolition because of the building’s proximity to schools and bus stops.

Despite staff’s earlier record of outreach and a note that neighborhood housing had been contacted to explore repair assistance, a board member moved to declare the main structure not feasible to repair and to demolish it within 30 days; the motion included a friendly amendment to also cut utilities. The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Board members and staff instructed that the property be secured, debris removed and utilities disconnected; Development Services said it would pursue demolition procedures and coordinate with contractors for abatement if the owner did not act. Several residents said they will continue to press for site clearance and possible neighborhood reuse of the lot.