Commission approves demolition permit for 402 O'Grady Street after unauthorized work began

The Boerne Historical Landmark Commission voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness for demolition of structures at 402 O'Grady Street after staff told the commission the work had already been started without HLC approval.

Planning department staff member Ben Simmons told commissioners the single-family residence, constructed in 1958 and located outside but near the historic district, required the certificate because it is older than 50 years. Simmons said, "the demolition work for this project was started, without a permit or HLC approval," and that limited pre-demolition photographs were available as a result. He also told the commission that notices were mailed to nearby properties and that the city maintains penalties and extra fees for work done without a permit.

During the public hearing, neighbor Leslie Brown said the site "has been a trash site for, gosh, almost 2 months now" and described insulation and debris blowing into adjacent yards, saying the condition had harmed nearby property sales. Commissioners asked whether citizen comments arrived before or after demolition started; staff confirmed many comments were received after demolition had already begun.

After discussion about neighbor impacts and code enforcement, Commissioner Mines moved to accept staff findings and approve the demolition permit; Commissioner Graves seconded. Chair Sally Pena called for a roll or voice vote and the motion passed. The commission did not record a detailed roll-call tally in the transcript; the chair stated only that "the motion has passed."