EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — Residents of Magoffin Ave in El Paso are calling for action as squatting and transient issues escalate in their neighborhood.
Perla, a resident who wished to remain anonymous, described the situation as worsening over the past seven to eight years, with homeless individuals occupying abandoned homes and vehicles, leading to theft and disrespect for the community.
The property at 1306 Magoffin Ave, taken over by squatters, is set for demolition after being condemned by the city due to its decaying structure.
Neighbors report that the street is lined with empty houses used by transients, bringing drug use, human waste, and public safety concerns.
City Council District 8 representative Chris Canales acknowledged the issue, stating, “It’s an issue that we’ve been working through, both through the city and our code enforcement department and our police department.”
He emphasized the importance of residents reporting issues and organizing through the new Magoffin historic district neighborhood association.
Steve Alvarado from the city’s code enforcement explained that properties are deemed hazards based on structural deficiencies and public nuisance criteria.
He urged residents to report issues via the 311 service or app, which initiates a case for the appropriate department.
The El Paso County Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing several other cases in the Magoffin area.
RELATED: El Paso orders demolition of hazardous abandoned home on Magoffin Ave
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