Laredo board approves demolition orders and building-securement for multiple substandard properties

A Laredo city board on Wednesday approved a series of actions aimed at removing or securing substandard buildings in a concentrated area of the city, citing public-safety hazards including loose sheet metal, unsecured openings and suspected drug activity.

The board voted to move forward with demolition orders for several properties and to require the front door of another large lot to be boarded. Staff detailed hazardous conditions and said some owners had not responded to notices; in other cases owners told staff they intend to comply. "We're recommending demolition because it's a hazard to the community," a staff member said during the meeting.

The decisions focused on vacant or partially vacant structures where inspectors documented failing roofs, loose sheet metal and reports of unauthorized activity. Edgar Orozco, zoning enforcement supervisor for the building department, addressed one owner by phone and told him, "We are suggesting a demolition order for your structure, because it does not meet code." The board…