Abilene board orders demolition or repairs for five dilapidated properties

The City of Abilene Board of Building Standards on Feb. 5 ordered owners to demolish two fire‑ or hazard‑damaged structures or appeal the board’s decision to district court within 30 days, and directed repairs or repair plans for three additional properties after staff described each as a public nuisance.

The board found the accessory structure at 1401 Cypress Street and the heavily fire‑damaged house at 5217 Tayos Drive to be hazards to public health, safety and welfare and ordered demolition if owners do not appeal. Jessica Marshall, who said she occupies the primary dwelling at the Cypress property, told the board, “I want it torn down,” and said estimates she received for removal ranged from $12,000 to $20,000 but that she cannot pay up front.

Ricky Wright, property maintenance inspector for the City of Abilene, presented staff recommendations for each case. “The staff recommendation at this time is to find the property as a public nuisance and that it is a hazard to the public health, safety, and welfare, and repair of the structure would be unreasonable,” Wright told the board for…