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Commission authorizes demolition of scale house at 601 Curry, approves abatement resolutions for six other derelict properties
Summary
Following staff reports and photos, the Clovis City Commission directed demolition of the scale house at the 601 Curry site and approved abatement/demolition resolutions for six additional unsafe structures across the city; owners will receive statutory notice periods before further action.
The Clovis City Commission on Feb. 6 authorized immediate abatement steps for multiple unsafe structures, directing demolition of the scale house at 601 Curry and approving separate abatement/demolition resolutions for six other properties in the city.
Why it matters: Several properties described to the Commission have deteriorated roofs and walls, repeated break-ins and evidence of people living in unsafe conditions. The Commission's approvals start the statutory notice process that can lead to city-funded abatement if owners do not remedy the hazards.
What staff reported: City building-safety staff displayed photos of the 601 Curry site showing open grain-elevator structures, graffiti, repeated forced entry and an unsecured scale house. Staff said the recorded owner is a foreign (Russian) company undergoing bankruptcy and that previous security attempts (welding doors, boarding) have been repeatedly breached. For other properties (905 Bridal; 421 W. Fifth; 213 MaF1ana; 1221 Traver; 320 Merryweather; 1400 Thornton) staff described collapsed roofs, structurally deficient framing or full fire damage.
Commission debate and rationale: Commissioners expressed frustration that repeated securing had failed and that the city had incurred repeated costs (staff estimated roughly $1,000 each time the city boarded/securityed the 601 Curry building). Commissioner Garza said securing the property had been attempted "3 or 4" times and that it was repeatedly broken into. Commission discussion weighed the cost of repeated short-term securing against one-time demolition costs; staff advised the Commission that municipal policy historically favors repair when feasible but allows demolition when structures are beyond practical repair or present imminent danger.
Action taken: The Commission voted unanimously to demolish the scale house at 601 Curry and to secure the other structures at that address where feasible. The Commission then unanimously adopted Resolutions Nos. 3300'3305-2025 authorizing abatement or demolition of the listed derelict properties. The City Attorney noted that the abatement resolutions begin the notice timeline: owners will have 15 days to respond and to articulate a plan for correction or to contest action before the city proceeds.
Next steps: Building Safety will attempt owner contact (including through bankruptcy counsel noted in staff research). If no corrective action is taken within the statutory timeline, the city may proceed with abatement or demolition and then pursue lien remedies as allowed by ordinance. Staff said some structures may be secured rather than demolished depending on feasibility and cost.
Ending: The Commission emphasized public-safety concerns and directed staff to proceed with statutory notices and practical securing measures while pursuing owner contact.
