Commission authorizes securing and demolition actions for multiple unsafe structures, including 601 Curry

The Clovis City Commission voted Feb. 6, 2025, to authorize immediate action on a cluster of unsafe structures, including securing most buildings at 601 Curry and demolishing the scale house there, and to authorize abatement or demolition proceedings for six additional properties across the city.

City attorney Joel Morris and Building Safety staff outlined the condition of the 601 Curry site and six other properties. Morris said the owner listed for 601 Curry appears to be a foreign entity in bankruptcy and that the site shows repeated break-ins, graffiti and missing doors and windows. Building Safety Supervisor (identified in the packet as Mr. Wilt) said staff had previously welded doors and secured the site multiple times but trespassers continued to gain entry. Wilt told the commission each securing action cost roughly $1,000.

After discussion about repair feasibility and cost, Mayor Pro Tem Bryant moved to demolish the scale house shown in the packet photos and to secure the remaining buildings at 601 Curry; Commissioner Paula seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Morris noted the agenda notice was for abatement and the remedy could include securing, removing trash or demolition depending on the property.

The commission then considered a package of resolutions (Resolutions 3300-2025 through 3305-2025) authorizing abatement or demolition at the following addresses: 905 Bridal (owner: Christopher Gay), 421 W. Fifth (owners: Minnie Gouna and Diana Cantu), 215 Manana (James and Julie Aldrich), 1221 Traver (owner: Booker T. Jones), 320 Merryweather, and 1400 Thornton (fire-damaged). Morris described extensive structural failures at these properties and said owners would receive the required notice and an initial 15-day response period. Commissioner Jones moved approval of the resolution package; Commissioner Garza seconded. The package passed unanimously.

Staff said demolition and abatement work will follow the city's resolution timelines and that staff will begin owner-notification and, where feasible, pursue contact through bankruptcy counsel or other channels. The commission did not adopt a citywide change in abatement policy but approved the specific abatement and securing/demolition actions on the listed parcels.