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Hobbs Commission approves condemnation proceedings for multiple dilapidated properties; owners may file objections
Summary
The commission approved Resolution 75-72 to begin condemnation/remediation work on multiple properties deemed damaged or dilapidated; owners have 10 days from publication to file objections and may present remediation plans at a subsequent hearing. Two property representatives attended and described remediation plans or ownership updates.
The Hobbs City Commission voted to approve Resolution 75-72 on Monday, authorizing condemnation or remediation proceedings for several properties found by staff to be dilapidated or hazardous.
Assistant City Attorney Amber Leija and Community Services Superintendent Jessica Silva presented the list of properties and the inspection history; staff said condemnation processes began in July 2024 and that multiple certified letters returned to sender or lacked response for several parcels. Addresses discussed on the record included 307 West Castle; 228 North Cecil; 421 East Dunham; 612 South Eighth Street; 2225 North Kingsley; 1000 East Main and 400 North Turner.
Silva explained the condemnation timeline: if the commission approves, owners will have 10 days from the date of newspaper publication to file a written objection with the city clerk; an objection triggers a hearing before the commission where owners may present remediation plans. Silva said staff may later abate properties and place a lien for remediation costs but do not take property ownership when the city remediates for public-safety reasons.
Two property representatives addressed the commission. Hal Headstream said he is "in the process of getting it from my brother" regarding the Kingsley property and described plans to remove asbestos shingles, replace windows and clean the yard. Erin Anderson of Permian Real Estate spoke on behalf of Laundry Lounge, the owner of a North Turner property, saying she had arranged to secure doors and engage contractors to replace soffits and stabilize the building while offers and remediation options are considered. "Let's get a plan of action in place," Anderson said.
Several commissioners emphasized due process and cautioned staff to exhaust outreach and inspection steps before final condemnation. Commissioner 2 (name on the record) urged care "because this is people's property that they paid for over years and years," and asked staff to document inspection attempts and permit outreach. City officials said building inspectors performed exterior assessments and are constrained from entering properties without owner consent.
Motion to approve Resolution 75-72 was made by Commissioner Calderon and seconded by Commissioner Girth; the roll call vote was unanimous. Staff said the 10-day objection period begins on the date of publication, and that owners who file objections can present remediation plans at the next commission hearing rather than facing immediate abatement.
