Council approves condemnation of 3402 Blue Hill Ave with 120-day rehabilitation window

The Gallup City Council on Jan. 27 adopted Resolution R2026-5, condemning the property at 3402 Blue Hill Avenue after staff presented 13 code enforcement cases, photos and a building-inspector survey documenting prolonged neglect. Planning and Development Director Clyde "C.B." Strain told the Council the structure was abandoned, utilities were disconnected and staff had repeatedly boarded and cleaned the site; he said the building was "so ruined, damaged and dilapidated and so covered in ruin, rubbish and debris as to constitute a menace to public comfort and safety."Councilor Ron Molina moved to adopt the resolution with conditions that staff pursue alternatives to demolition and allow the owner 120 days to commence rehabilitation efforts after the statutory 10-day challenge period; the motion passed unanimously. City Manager Frank Chiapetti and City Attorney David Eason advised the Council on potential title-acquisition steps, including foreclosure on city liens if necessary.Chiape tti estimated demolition costs between $30,000 and $50,000 while noting local contractors might refurbish the home for $50,000 to $100,000, and urged staff to delay soliciting demolition bids if a buyer expressed interest. The Council's approval preserves condemnation authority while explicitly instructing staff to explore rehabilitation and title-acquisition routes before demolition.