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Boerne staff say demolition bid being solicited for fire‑damaged house at 217 Sophia Circle
Summary
City staff told the Boerne City Council the property at 217 Sophia Circle remains subject to a demolition order, ownership appears to have transferred after a mortgage was paid, and preliminary demolition cost estimates are $40,000–$60,000 with the city planning to place a lien to recover costs if it proceeds.
City staff updated the Boerne City Council on July 22 about the status of the structure at 217 Sophia Circle, which the city placed under a 60‑day demolition notice after a March shooting and subsequent damage.
The update came from Nathan Crane, who said the mortgage lien that had been on the property was released shortly after the council’s May public hearing on demolition and that staff believes ownership now rests with the former owner’s son, identified in the meeting as Adrian Lidsma (name spelling uncertain in the record). Crane said the city issued a demolition order to the apparent owner and has been coordinating with the neighborhood homeowners association.
Crane said staff has started soliciting demolition bids after a family member told staff the household lacked resources to pay for demolition. "We believe that the cost will be between $40,000 and $60,000 depending on what we do," Crane said, and added that if the city proceeds it would place a lien on the property to attempt to recoup expenses.
Crane told council staff and a title company attempted to verify ownership but were unable to complete a full chain‑of‑title search. He said the family reported insurance funds had been used to satisfy the mortgage lien.
Councilmembers asked staff to confirm legal ownership and title information before any further action. Crane said once demolition bids are received staff will return to council if council approval of an expenditure is required.
The item on the agenda was an informational update; no action was taken at the July 22 meeting. The city will continue coordinating with the HOA and the property’s family representatives as it pursues bids and title clarification.
