Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Unsafe Structures Demolition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Freeport board orders removal of three hurricane-damaged structures, gives owners 30 days
Summary
The Freeport Board of Adjustments ordered demolition or removal of three hurricane-damaged structures — a metal warehouse at 120 West Fourth, an accessory structure at 802 West Seventh, and a house at 119 West Sixth — and set 30-day deadlines while staff offered owners options to find outside assistance.
The Freeport Board of Adjustments voted to order demolition or removal of three hurricane-damaged structures and set 30-day deadlines for owners to arrange removal or repairs.
The board opened a public hearing on a metal warehouse at 120 West Fourth (Freeport Block 43, Lot 23–32, PID 209309). Property owner Hugo said he purchased the building and had applied for an engineer’s drawing but was delayed: “I bought this… I applied, I, the city required a permit for the engineer drawing,” he said, adding that he lacked funds to do a full teardown. Board members described the metal structure as unsafe; a board member said the building “is not salvageable” and recommended removal. The board adopted a motion to give the owner 30 days to remove the structure or allow the city to do so and place a lien on the property; the motion passed unanimously.
At a separate public hearing, staff reported that an accessory structure at 802 West Seventh that had fallen in the storm was partially blocking the alleyway. Shelby from code enforcement said the first notice was sent on August 5 and a second notice on September 20 and recommended demolition because the structure was already down. The board voted to remove that structure and confirmed a 30-day window for compliance.
The board also considered a residential property at 119 West Sixth (Freeport Block 40). Staff described the house as having lost its roof during the hurricane and being “wide open to the neighborhood.” Owner Yolanda Solis, who identified herself as the property’s homestead owner, said she cannot afford demolition and has been seeking federal or state help. “It’s not my fault that the hurricane came in and knocked the roof off,” Solis said, asking the board to allow more time or assistance. Staff explained that, if the city demolishes the property, it will solicit bids, carry out the work, and place a lien for the cost on the property. The board affirmed the 30-day requirement but said Solis could coordinate with Shelby if she lined up state or FEMA assistance before the city moved forward.
After the hearings, staff updated the board on past demolition orders and repair permits. Several properties ordered by the Board of Adjustments earlier in the year have been demolished and graded, and one permit issued for the Aura Theater roof repair had not commenced as of Oct. 24. Staff also reported they checked with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regarding gas tank records for a past site and found no file on record.
The board set its next meeting for Dec. 5 to combine November and December business and then adjourned.
Votes at a glance: the board approved the minutes and adopted motions ordering removal or demolition of the three structures above with 30-day compliance windows. If owners do not act, staff will solicit bids for city-led demolition and place liens for costs.
