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Texarkana board orders demolition or abatement of two substandard houses; owners get 30 days
Summary
The City of Texarkana adopted a resolution declaring two residential structures public nuisances under city code and giving owners 30 days to abate or demolish them, after which the city is authorized to remove the structures. Neighbors had complained of overgrowth, pests and unsafe conditions.
The Texarkana Board of Directors voted unanimously to condemn two substandard residential structures and authorize the public works department to demolish any listed building not brought into compliance within 30 days.
Roger Douglas, public works director, told the board the properties — cited in the hearing as 1710 Pearl Street and 4708 Parkland — have long generated neighborhood complaints, including extreme overgrowth and interior neglect. "You can't even hardly see the house from the overgrowth," Douglas said, describing the conditions that prompted the city's action.
The resolution, read aloud by the assistant city clerk, cites section 11‑87 of the City of Texarkana code and the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code and the International Property Maintenance Code, finding the structures "dilapidated, unsightly, unsafe, unsanitary, obnoxious, or detrimental to the public welfare." City staff said owners would be served notice and allowed 30 days to demolish or abate; if the work is not completed within that time the city is authorized to remove the structure after giving at least 10 days for owners to retrieve personal items.
During the hearing, residents and staff discussed past delays when owners pulled building permits and then did not finish repairs; the board clarified the 30‑day clock requires completion, not merely pulling a permit. A city staff member said the resolution was amended to remove ambiguity that had previously allowed owners to extend the clock by obtaining a permit.
After public comments and staff clarifications, the board adopted the resolution by roll call; each listed director voted yes and the presiding mayor voted yes. The board did not identify any no votes or abstentions. The resolution instructs the public works department to provide notices to owners and to proceed with demolition if the properties have not been abated within the 30‑day period.
Next steps: city staff will deliver the statutory notices to owners, monitor compliance and, if necessary, schedule demolition after the 30‑day period and the 10‑day personal‑property retrieval window have elapsed.
