EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Residents of Magoffin Ave. in El Paso are expressing relief after the city’s Building and Standards Commission ordered the demolition of a long-abandoned home at 1306 Magoffin Ave. <\/p>\n
The property, owned by Noramar Corp, a Dallas-based company, has been a source of concern for neighbors due to its dilapidated condition and the presence of squatters.<\/p>\n
Leticia Cuevas, who has lived on Magoffin Ave. for over 50 years, described the situation as troubling. “You don’t know whether to tell them, ‘Please don’t make any noise.’ It’s not that because you’re afraid they’ll insult you, they won’t want to attack you. That’s the problem,” she said.<\/p>\n
Priscilla Rodarte, a former resident and family member of a neighbor, recounted seeing individuals in the driveway or alleyway, often heavily drugged or intoxicated. “We’ve seen overdoses across the street, just laying there,” she said.<\/p>\n
The commission’s decision came after a meeting on Oct. 16, where reports from a city inspector highlighted severe structural issues, including a collapsed wall, fire damage, and significant dilapidation. <\/p>\n
The property was also found to be filled with combustible materials, trash, and debris, posing a threat to public safety.<\/p>\n
Since 2021, the property has been the subject of multiple code enforcement and fire investigation cases. <\/p>\n
Between June 25 and Oct. 3 of this year alone, there were 18 cases reported by the El Paso Police Department.<\/p>\n
Neighbor Perla described the ongoing disturbances, saying, “We see them walking out with just drugs and stuff. They when I guess they’re high on them, they start screaming. They just start throwing stuff around. A lot of times they fight. At night, we hear gunshots and no police anywhere.”<\/p>\n
The commission has given Noramar Corp 30 days to demolish the home, with demolition expected before Nov. 16. <\/p>\n
Attempts to reach the company’s attorney for comment were unsuccessful.<\/p>\n
RELATED: Authorities evict over 20 squatters from empty El Paso home<\/a><\/p>\n