Port Arthur board gives several property owners time to repair and issues 30‑day raze orders for others

PORT ARTHUR, Texas — The Port Arthur Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals on Feb. 20 granted property owners deadlines to repair dilapidated structures and approved 30‑day raze orders for several properties the city has flagged for condemnation.

The board granted a 90‑day repair work plan to the owners of 1345 East 15th Street after owners Benjamin and Mia Parker said they plan to rehabilitate the house and accessory structures. Benjamin Parker, who identified himself as a licensed contractor, said the buyers had cleaned debris, boarded the property and plan to begin work when the city issues required notices and permits. The board likewise approved a 90‑day repair period for the owner of 2960 20th Seventh Street (agenda item 7), John Hodge, who said he intends to start repairs within months.

Why it matters: Port Arthur uses condemnation and raze orders to address long‑vacant or structurally unsafe properties that city staff say create public‑safety risks and depress nearby property values. When the city demolishes a structure it typically places a lien on the parcel to recoup costs; owners can also hire private contractors or negotiate payment plans with city legal staff.

The board took individual actions on the properties discussed at the meeting and then accepted staff recommendations on a batch of additional structures to receive 30‑day raze orders. For properties whose owners told the board they would repair structures, staff explained that owners must participate in a city work‑program process, complete a walk‑through with inspectors and follow a punch list before permits and work can proceed. Staff told owners the common work‑program period is six months but that extensions can be granted if demonstrable progress is shown.

Highlights of owner remarks and board actions

- 1345 East 15th Street (owners Benjamin and Mia Parker): The Parkers said they bought the property at a tax sale and are within the redemption period and have boarded and cleaned it. Benjamin Parker said, “Our plans are ... to rebuild this property, make it ... a valuable addition to the city.” The board approved a 90‑day repair work plan and directed the Parkers to coordinate a walk‑through and punch list with city staff.

- 2724 East 15th Street (collapsed garage; owner identified as Tom Sandless): Sandless told the board he had obtained a permit for a separate project and said he would remove debris when weather and other projects allow; the board approved a 30‑day raze/repair order for that site. During his remarks Sandless made allegations about other people; board members repeatedly redirected the discussion to the condition of the garage and the permitted work.

- 2960 20th Seventh Street (owner John Hodge): Hodge said he intends to complete repairs within about six months and that he will do the work himself as a contractor. The board approved a 90‑day repair work plan and reminded him that licensed electricians and plumbers must be used for those trades and that inspections and permits are required.

- 1114 East 14th Street (lender representative Sherry Janner calling in): Janner said her organization foreclosed in September 2024, has tried to sell the property and would accept demolition if necessary. She agreed to sign a waiver to allow the city to proceed; the board approved a 30‑day raze order.

- 2344 Evergreen Drive (owner Janet Nash, garage): Nash asked about demolition cost and payment options; staff said the city can provide contractor lists, solicit bids and place a lien on the property to recover demolition costs, and noted legal staff can discuss payment plans. The board approved a 30‑day process for that structure.

Batch actions and next steps

After the individual hearings the board accepted staff recommendations to issue 30‑day raze orders for a list of remaining flagged properties (addresses read into the record). Staff told the board it has prepared immediate packets for a subset of properties and is assembling a larger demolition packet that may include about 60 structures and several commercial buildings; staff also said it is preparing emergency demolition packets for properties that residents have reported repeatedly.

What the board and staff said about process and costs

Staff described the city’s standard practice: inspectors produce a report referencing applicable building codes, the city issues notice and a punch list for repairs when owners seek rehabilitation, and the city offers a six‑month work program for rehabilitation in many cases. If the city performs demolition, it solicits bids and places a lien on the property for the demolition cost; legal staff can discuss payment plans with owners. Several owners were reminded that electrical and plumbing work must be performed by licensed tradespeople who hold the required permits.

The board did not record roll‑call vote totals for each motion in the public transcript; motions carried by voice vote (the board recorded "Aye" and declared motions passed during the meeting). Staff said it will follow up with owners by phone and email to set walk‑throughs, provide punch lists and explain permitting steps. Staff also said it will contact lenders who request waivers to allow the city to move demolition packets forward more rapidly.

Ending

Board members adjourned after approving minutes and moving to old business. Staff said it will return with demolition bid packets and data on past demolitions at a future meeting; board members asked staff to provide demolition totals for the prior year to demonstrate progress on clearing unsafe structures.