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Board orders demolition of Nelson Drive property after owner death and lack of follow-up
Summary
The board found the house at 833 Nelson Dr. a public nuisance and ordered demolition after staff reported the listed owner is deceased and that outreach efforts failed to yield a repair plan.
The Abilene Board of Building Standards voted to order demolition of the property at 833 Nelson Drive after staff presented evidence that the listed owner is deceased and that repair would be unreasonable.
Ricky Wright told the board that utilities have been off at the address since May 2021 and that the owner, James Matthews, is deceased. Staff contacted the listed spouse in 2025, who said she had secured the property and would submit repair quotes and a plan of action but later failed to follow up. The board was also told a condemnation affidavit had been filed and that staff posted hearing notice and mailed notices to owners.
Mr. McNeil moved to follow the staff recommendation to find the property a public nuisance and order demolition; Mr. Tankersley seconded. The board voted by roll call (Wyatt, Allred, Tankersley, McNeil, Dugger—yes) to adopt the order requiring demolition or appeal within 30 days.
