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Taos council grants 60‑day continuance, with benchmarks, for contested 514 Dolan abatement after community cleanup
Summary
After hours of testimony from neighbors, volunteers and code officials, the Taos Town Council voted to continue the abatement proceeding for 514 Dolan Street to the May 26 meeting and to require benchmarked progress checks as the community works to remediate the property.
The Taos Town Council on March 10 agreed to continue an abatement proceeding for the property at 514 Dolan Street to its May 26 regular meeting, giving volunteer crews and neighbors time to complete agreed benchmarks intended to reduce fire and safety risks.
Planning and zoning deputy director Diana Gonzalez told the council that code staff had seen “substantial progress over the past two weeks” at the site but recommended a short continuance to allow the work to continue and to preserve options for enforcement if cleanup efforts faltered. “Our objective is not to remove the owner from the property,” Gonzalez said; rather, staff seeks interior and exterior remediation and reconnection of municipal utilities where needed.
The hearing produced extensive testimony from neighbors and volunteers. Sarah Hamilton urged swift action, warning that the property is “in danger of burning to the ground” and describing stacked wood and dry brush that, she said, could ignite quickly. By contrast, a sequence of residents and volunteers—including Elijah Storm Star, who organized equipment and volunteers—described substantial recent cleanup and asked for time to finish the work. “All we ask for is more time, mayor, council members,” Storm Star said, committing his own equipment and financing to the effort.
Multiple neighbors called for benchmarks and frequent inspections. Resident Crispin Roque asked for a phased compliance plan and suggested 60 days with scheduled check‑ins, a proposal that found broad support among council members and staff. Councilor Romero said the recent community turnout had restored his confidence that the cleanup could be completed without immediate abatement.
After discussion about enforcement history, public safety and the need to protect vulnerable residents, Councilor Romero moved to continue the matter to the May 26 meeting with benchmarks to be defined by code enforcement; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Council members recorded affirmative votes and the council instructed staff to monitor progress and post regular photographic updates.
The council and multiple speakers emphasized the difference between exterior hazard mitigation and more complex interior habitability issues. Gonzalez said the town’s goals include reconnecting the property to municipal water and sewer and ensuring safe interior conditions. If the benchmarks are not met, the council retained the option to resume abatement actions.
Next step: the council will revisit the abatement on May 26 and staff will perform interim inspections to verify compliance with the agreed benchmarks.
