Brittany Borum has lived on East 47th Street for just under three years. She said it's a relief the city has decided to tear down the vacant house next door to hers.
"Ever since I have lived here its been like that," she said. "I'm ready for them to knock it down."
Borum lives just yards away from the vacant home. She said the high weeds in the backyard is just another clear invitation for vandals.
"Some of the cars have been vandalized since people have been vandalizing this house," she said. "We have had somebody try to break into our house. It was really scary somebody tried to jump my fence as I was going outside."
The vacant house was discussed by the Structural Standards Commission in October 2010. Members voted unanimously that the home be repaired, removed or demolished within 30 days.
Almost 15 months later the home is still standing and in the same condition.
Director of Codes Administration Stuart Walker said there are many reasons why the home had not been demolished.
"I am not sure we didn't take any action on 47th street back then," Walker said. "It could be a number of things. A lot of times after cases are heard, we might have a new owner that pops up, so we have to start all over with notification and a new hearing."
However, now the commission has lost its power to act.
"Last July the Texas Supreme Court handed down an opinion that said our Citizen Board and Commissions do not have the authority to order a taking, or to order a structure to be demolished," Walker said.
The first court proceedings under the new codes enforcement protocol began Tuesday. A judge decided the fate of five properties. All the properties have to come down, including the home next to Brittany Borum.
Walker said the new procedures will be efficient for the city.
"As we get more experience with the system, I think it will be smooth as the Structural Standards Commission," he said.
Walker said if the owner does not act within 30 days of the court ruling then the city has the legal right to tear it down. He said there are about 1,500 property inspections every year. He said half of those result in violations.
