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Board orders demolition for 214 Brook Street after owner says funds available but lacks required permits
Summary
After presentation showing extensive fire damage and police reports of shootings and burglaries, the board declared 214 Brook Street a public nuisance and ordered demolition within 30 days; the owner said he has $60,000 but has been blocked from repairs by permit and ownership paperwork issues.
The San Antonio Building Standards Board on March 5 ordered demolition of 214 Brook Street, finding the fire-damaged structure a public nuisance and not feasible to repair under City Code Article 8, Chapter 6.
Dangerous premises officer Cynthia Santana presented photographs showing a 1930 single‑story structure with charred rafters, missing windows, sagging ceiling joists and exposed subfloors after an August 2024 fire. Santana told the board no scope of work, financial proof or engineer’s report had been submitted and staff therefore recommended demolition.
Safe Officer Ricci Robledo described repeated calls to the location and nearby encampments, saying the site has been the focus of burglaries and three reported shootings in the past 18 months. "Lately, we've been getting a lot of calls for burglaries... we've had 4 critical, calls there in the past year and a half. 3 of those were, shots fired..." Robledo said, adding that the property is easy to access from the adjacent under‑highway area.
James Elagaza, who said he is transferring title to his name, told the board he has about "$60,000 in there for to spend on this," and that contractors were lined up but could not proceed because permits were halted pending a fire‑damage assessment and because of difficulties obtaining ownership documents. Board members pressed him for an engineer’s report, itemized contractor estimates and proof of funds.
Board member Anne Wehner moved to declare the property a public nuisance and order demolition within 30 days; after a friendly amendment the motion included a vacate order and securing requirements. Roll call recorded Dwayne Nelson voting no, Paul Hernandez voting no, and five votes in favor; the motion passed 5–2.
The board and staff reiterated that owners who provide a detailed scope of work, validated contractor estimates, proof of funds and required reports may present a repair plan to the board; otherwise, staff will proceed with enforcement. Owners may appeal the board’s order in civil district court within 30 days after the order is mailed.
