El Paso City staff list multiple properties slated for demolition; funding and contractors limit pace

El Paso City staff presented a series of properties on the city’s demolition and rehabilitation list and said some sites already have permits while others remain pending action. Speaker 2, an unidentified staff speaker, told commissioners, “We've identified some funds, unspecified amounts, that may be able to encompass a lot of these over the next 2 years.”

The report named multiple addresses, including 4670 Vulcan Avenue (demolished in August 2025 by a city contractor, permit on file), 838033 Bowen Road (ownership changed; permits on file), 3126 Findlay Avenue (presented 05/29/2025; pending demolition), 419 East Shuster (presented in May; pending demolition), and 918 Saint Vrain (presented 05/29/2025; pending rehabilitation; boarded as of 12/02/2025 and a site plan pending approval). Staff also noted 12923 Waco Sands was demolished by the owner and that permits are on file for that address.

During discussion, a commissioner (Speaker 3) asked whether delays were due to funding availability. Speaker 2 said delays stem from both limited funding and contractor capacity, noting the city’s prior contractor was used up quickly last year and the city is searching to expand its contracting options. Speaker 4 asked whether the city seeks to recoup demolition costs via liens; Speaker 2 replied the city will "place a cloud on the title" and may recover public funds if a property is later developed.

On 5733 Hemingway Drive, Speaker 4 reported that "all the unwanted persons [were] removed and the structure's been secured," and that the property is undergoing a change of ownership; the enforcement order remains in place, according to staff.

No specific dollar amounts or contract names were provided in the presentation. Commissioners proceeded to approve the minutes from the prior meeting by voice vote (the transcript does not record a named mover or roll-call tally) and then moved, seconded and approved a motion to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 12:43 p.m.

What happens next: staff said they are coordinating with the capital improvement, environmental service and building departments to pursue demolitions and to expand contractor capacity; funding sources and precise schedules were described as "unspecified."