Council allows owner to pursue repairs for two downtown buildings but sets a July 1 financing deadline and 30‑day fencing requirement

The Navasota City Council on May 11 adopted an order giving the owner of two deteriorated downtown buildings time to repair them under a detailed milestone schedule — provided the owner secures construction financing by July 1, 2026. If the financing is not in place by that date, the order makes demolition the default remedy and authorizes the city to demolish and place a lien for the cost.

The action follows a continued public hearing where Development Services Director Lupe Diosado summarized an April 9 inspection documenting broken windows, missing elements, damaged joists and other conditions that staff said meet the city's Chapter 3 definition of a substandard building. "We do have sufficient evidence of cracking and recent material falling onto the public sidewalk," Diosado told council, saying staff concluded the properties present a public‑safety hazard unless addressed.

Property representative Mr. Lester, who spoke repeatedly during the hearing, disputed that the buildings were "imminently" in danger of collapse, said he has invested significant funds and presented a timeline of work that depends on securing a construction loan. "I'm asking you to let me work my plan," Lester said, noting bank approvals and other contingencies and saying he would either finish the project or sell the property if financing fails.

Residents and business owners urged firm action. "I've watched kids play under this building," said Bert Bearden, a downtown resident, urging immediate stabilization or removal. Mac Vaughn, a frequent commenter, said the community wants action, not "lip service."

After hearing public testimony and deliberating, council adopted the staff‑recommended option with conditions: the owner's schedule will be accepted as the repair plan but the first milestone — securing a construction loan — must be met on or before July 1, 2026. If that milestone is not met, the order defaults to demolition and the city may proceed and place a lien to recover costs. The council also required the properties at 201 and 203 South Railroad to be secured with 6‑foot chain‑link construction fencing within 30 days to protect the public.

Council moved and seconded the action and approved it by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The order directs staff to work with the owner to clarify which timeline milestones apply to each building and to verify compliance at each milestone. The city advised it will monitor progress and may act sooner if an immediate danger is identified.

Next steps: staff will work with the property owner to annotate the timeline (which must identify which tasks apply to 201 and which to 203) and will report back if the July 1 milestone is missed or if interim public‑safety risks emerge.