Beginning May 1st, the City of Texarkana Texas will begin demolition of nine substandard structures in the Beverly neighborhood, as part of the Neighborhood Specific Demolition initiative. Demolition is expected to take three weeks to complete.
The properties selected for demolition are located on Wilson, Melton and Jerome streets. A map of the lots and a proposed schedule for demolition can be found attached.
“Removing these substandard structures is yet another step towards improving our city and keeping our residents safe,” said Dustin Henslee, Director of Public Works. “In the past couple of years, we have brought down around eighty substandard structures in our city, which is good progress, but there is still so much to be done. We are excited to see the huge improvement this neighborhood specific demolition work will make in a small area.”
During demolition, Street Department crews will also be cleaning alleys, right of ways and city owned lots in the area. The City hopes to partner with neighborhood residents to continue this revitalization work beyond demolition.
David Orr, Director of Planning and Community Development, encourages residents to get involved in the process.
“We want to invite Beverly residents to take a special interest in cleaning up this Spring,” Orr said. “This is the perfect time for the neighborhood association, and individual residents to work hand-in-hand with the City to make real improvement in this neighborhood. We need everyone’s help.”
Mashell Daniel, Director of Code Enforcement and Inspections, plans to use this opportunity to educate residents on their responsibilities.
“Our Code Enforcement officers will be out looking for junk vehicles, overgrown weed lots, and litter violations,” Daniel said. “We want to help residents understand the ordinances of the city and how it might relate to their property. For instance, it’s important to note that property owners are responsible for maintaining responsible for maintaining all alleyways unless they are paved.”
The City of Texarkana Texas has completed a total of 84 demolitions in various parts of the city; 40 of which were determined to be priority properties by City Council.
For more information, contact Lisa Thompson at lisa.thompson@txkusa.org or (903) 798-1743.