San Antonio Construction Standards Board Panel B Meeting – April 9, 2026

The Construction Standards Board Panel B convened on April 9, 2026, at 9:04 AM and adjourned at 11:58 AM, with a brief executive session from 11:18 AM to 11:29 AM. The board addressed six properties, voting on demolition or repair orders. All meetings were conducted in Spanish with translation services available.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting by voice vote (motion seconded, all in favor).
• Staff Report on Emergency Demolitions: Two structures demolished due to fires required no board action:
  • 563 West Hermosa Drive – demolished April 1, 2026 (fire March 17, 2026).
  • 111 East Villiers Boulevard, District 3 – demolished April 2, 2026 (fire March 21, 2026).

Discussion Items

• 725 Roper Street (District 2) – First hearing. The property is a 2,504 sq. ft. commercial structure built in 1935 (with a 1955 addition). Staff documented severe deterioration: foundation settlement, rotted wood, missing siding, interior exposed to weather, unsafe electrical, and unauthorized demolition of a front room. Owner José Alberto Guajardo testified that he has been trying to repair the building, citing health issues and confusion over permits. He presented a foundation contract and photos of partial work. A friend, Cheryl Teak, stated that the foundation contractor delayed work and misled the owner. The board questioned whether the foundation work met code. Motion: The main building is a public nuisance that can be repaired; order repair within 90 days. Accessory structures (wood shed and carport) are irreparable nuisances; order demolition within 30 days. Vote: 5–2 (Kayla Miranda, Joel Solís, George Grimes Jr., Yvonne Addison, Fred Andes in favor; Linda López Rodríguez opposed). Note: The vote was recorded as 5 to 2.

• 1918 McCullough Avenue (District 1) – First hearing. This one‑story commercial building (tire shop) has cracked brick veneer, missing roof sections, exposed electrical hazards, and interior water damage. Owner Herbert Lawrence Polinard stated he only recently received notices due to an incorrect address on file and requested a continuance to hire a new contractor. He presented an engineering report arguing that cracks are cosmetic. Staff noted no permits or financial documents were submitted. Motion: The property is a repairable nuisance; reschedule to the next available meeting (allowing the owner to submit required documents). Vote: Unanimous (6–0).

• 2402 Higgs Avenue, Building 2 (District 2) – First hearing. A vacant commercial accessory structure with extensive wood rot, graffiti, a collapsed roof, and interior debris. Owner Carla Jean Gonzaba agreed to demolition. Motion: The property is an irreparable public nuisance; order demolition within 30 days, with site cleared of debris. Vote: Unanimous (6–0).

• 1728 El Monte Boulevard (Accessory Structure) (District 1) – First hearing. A vacant, unsecured wood accessory building with a failing roof, missing siding, and interior trash. Owner Berta Hernández was not present; her son Juan Rodríguez requested time to obtain a permit and demolish himself. Staff recommended demolition with deconstruction, but the board waived that requirement due to the structure’s condition. Motion: The accessory structure is an irreparable public nuisance; order demolition within 30 days, with deconstruction requirement waived, and property cleared. Vote: Unanimous (6–0).

• 312 Fight Alley (District 5) – First hearing. A vacant residential structure with fire damage, a large roof hole, interior debris blocking egress, and unpermitted electrical work. No owner or representative appeared. Motion: The property is an irreparable public nuisance; order demolition within 30 days, with site secured and cleared. Vote: Unanimous (6–0).

• 206 Menefee Boulevard (District 5) – First hearing. A vacant commercial structure with broken windows, graffiti, active squatting, and interior water damage. Staff found a person sleeping inside during inspection. The owner’s sister, Aileen López, submitted a written request for continuance to sell the property. The board proceeded. Motion: The property is an irreparable public nuisance; order demolition within 30 days, with the property evacuated, secured, and cleared. Vote: Unanimous (6–0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• 725 Roper Street: Owner José Guajardo and friend Cheryl Teak testified.
• 1918 McCullough Avenue: Owner Herbert Polinard testified, requesting a continuance.
• 1728 El Monte Boulevard: Son Juan Rodríguez testified, requesting time to self-demolish.
• 2402 Higgs Avenue: Owner Carla Gonzaba agreed with demolition.
• 206 Menefee Boulevard: Written request from Aileen López was read into the record.

Key Outcomes

• 725 Roper Street: Main building must be repaired in 90 days; accessory structures demolished in 30 days.
• 1918 McCullough Avenue: Case rescheduled; owner must submit work plan, financial responsibility letter, and engineering report by next hearing.
• 2402 Higgs Avenue, Building 2: Demolition ordered within 30 days.
• 1728 El Monte Boulevard (accessory): Demolition ordered within 30 days; deconstruction waived.
• 312 Fight Alley: Demolition ordered within 30 days.
• 206 Menefee Boulevard: Demolition ordered within 30 days; property to be evacuated.
• Administrative: The board requested a full committee meeting with the deconstruction team for a future presentation. Two new members (Hassan Hussein and David Balletera) were selected for Panel B; a mayoral appointment (Jaime J. Miller) is pending City Council approval.