San Antonio Dangerous Building Hearing – October 8, 2026

The City of San Antonio held a public hearing on October 8, 2026, beginning at 9:09 AM, to consider three properties cited as dangerous or in violation of city codes. The meeting was chaired by Keila Randa. City staff presented inspection findings and recommendations; property owners and police officers testified. The commission voted on each case.

Property 1: 215 Holy Cross Drive (Demolition Recommendation)

• Presentation: Cristina Town, dangerous building officer, recommended demolition. The property had been inspected June 11, 2024, and October 21, 2025, with collaborative inspections including police. The owner, Mariano García and Mary T. García, were present. The property did not qualify as historic. Notices were sent, and a conference was held June 18, 2024. No financing or permits were provided. Photos showed extensive fire damage, missing walls, exposed wiring, and debris. The structure was deemed a public health and safety hazard. The estimated cost of eviction was $1,468. The property was also under the city's senior citizen cleanup program.
• Police Testimony: Officer Anthony Peña testified that the location had generated over 50 police calls since December 2022, including assaults, fires, mental health incidents, robberies, narcotics, and a dog bite. The house was insecure, allowing transients to enter. Officer Brandon, a neighborhood safety officer, added complaints of trespassing, water theft, and a vehicle used as shelter. The property is within half a mile of an elementary school.
• Owner's Statement: Mariano García stated he had lived there since 1975, but after his wife's death two years ago, he gave up. He acknowledged the problems but said he could not afford repairs. He offered to sell if necessary but pleaded for time and assistance. He denied wrongdoing and said transients were responsible.
• Motion and Vote: A motion was made to declare the property a public nuisance, order demolition within 30 days, secure the property, remove all debris (including an inoperable vehicle), and disconnect plumbing. The motion passed 7-0.

Property 2: 1517 East Crockett Street (Appeal of Code Violation Notice)

• Presentation: Supervisor Joseph Martínez cited violations of external maintenance (Section 302.1) and accumulation of rubbish (Section 308.1). The owner, Thomas McVeigh, was present. The first inspection was August 28, 2026. A notice was posted, and an appeal was filed September 17, 2026. Photographs showed debris on the front porch and rear.
• Owner's Appeal: Mr. McVeigh argued that the notice was improperly delivered and that the debris originated from a nearby H-E-B supermarket. He claimed harassment and that the city should address the source. He acknowledged receiving the notice but said he had tried to cooperate and was not given adequate time to remedy. He stated the porch items were functional.
• Commission Clarification: The chair explained the hearing was only to determine if the notice was properly delivered, not the validity of the violation. Mr. McVeigh confirmed he found the notice on his door several days after it was posted.
• Motion and Vote: A motion was made to uphold the actions of the Development Services Department and not dismiss the administrative case. The motion passed with no stated vote tally (apparently unanimous).

Property 3: 723 Virginia Boulevard (Demolition and Deconstruction)

• Presentation: Officer Caroline Polki recommended demolition for the main structure and deconstruction for the accessory structure (built before 1950). The property was inspected June 12, 2025. Notices were sent, and a conference was held April 27, 2026. The owner on record was Hortensia Zapata, represented by Teresa Zapata. The property was not historic. Photographs showed foundation issues, roof damage, exposed wiring, collapsed ceilings, and deteriorated siding. Utilities were disconnected. No financial plan or permits were provided. The main structure was built in 1910.
• Testimony: A representative of the Vacant Buildings Program stated the property was not taken into the program due to fire danger. The property administrator (Jesús Andoli) said the property would be transferred to his name and he would hire someone to evaluate repair or demolition.
• Motion and Vote: A motion was made to declare the property a public nuisance, order the main structure to be deconstructed (per city ordinance for pre-1950 buildings), and the accessory structure to be demolished within 30 days. The property was to be evacuated, utilities disconnected, and debris cleaned. The motion passed 5-2.

Key Outcomes

• 215 Holy Cross Drive: Demolition ordered (7-0). Owner to meet with code officer.
• 1517 East Crockett Street: Notice of violation upheld; administrative case continued.
• 723 Virginia Boulevard: Main structure ordered deconstructed; accessory demolished; property secured (5-2).
• The meeting recessed at 10:00 AM briefly and resumed. Final adjournment around 11:36 AM.