Bruceville-Eddy council grants 180-day permit for veteran to live in RV during house construction; requires 'substantial performance'

The Bruceville-Eddy City Council on Tuesday approved a 180-day extended-use permit allowing Thomas Arnold to occupy recreational vehicles on property at 238 Melissa Street while his permanent home is built, but required “substantial performance” toward construction during that period.

The council’s decision followed more than an hour of questions about how long Arnold had lived on the lot, what permits and plans he has filed, and whether existing code enforcement citations remain in place. Councilman Wiggins moved to grant the 180-day permit; Councilman Prater seconded the motion and the measure passed unanimously.

The requirement added as an amendment by council members specifies that, during the 180 days, the property must show “substantial performance towards the building of a house” rather than minimal or cosmetic work. Council members discussed examples of acceptable progress and said the condition was intended to prevent token activity intended solely…