2018-161 Bonnie Brae and Scripture TractDate: August 17, 2018 Report No. 2018-161
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
At the Sept. 25, 2018, City Council meeting, Council Member Meltzer requested an Informal Staff
Report regarding the options to repurpose the structure for public use located on the 0.8-acre tract
the City recently purchased for the widening of Bonnie Brae. CM Meltzer also requested the
potential of incorporating the remainder of the property into McKenna Park upon completion of
the road improvements.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Denton has been acquiring property along Bonnie Brae for the widening of the entire
corridor from I-35 to State Highway 77. One of the properties recently purchased is located at
2300 Scripture Road. The home is 1,552 square feet in size and was built in 1962. The previous
owner had become ill and moved in with her son in League City, Texas and passed away in July
2017. Since that time, the house has been unoccupied.
The City closed on the property in late October and staff toured the structure to determine its
condition. The overall structure is in very poor condition and there were contents of the previous
occupant still inside. The structure appears to have deferred maintenance, foundation damage,
rodent infestation, and water leaks. Attached to the ISR are pictures taken by staff the day of the
closing. Since the closing, the structure has been secured to deter trespassers and squatters.
DISCUSSION:
The ultimate alignment of the roundabout at Bonnie Brae and Scripture will be located within 15
feet of the structure. There is concern that the proximity of the road to the structure is a safety
issue.
Staff estimates that it will be costly to fully restore and remediate the structure along with updating
it to current building and safety codes for public use. Based on the poor condition of the structure
and the proximity of the structure to the ultimate design of Bonnie Brae it is recommended that
the structure be demolished. The cost to demolish the structure if conducted by City crews will
cost approximately $20,000 in labor, equipment, and disposal fees.
Staff will work with Legal, Capital Projects, and Parks with regards to incorporating the remainder
of the property into McKenna Park. All of these departments are critical so that all legal
requirements are completed, the Bonnie Brae project is designed and constructed appropriately,
and that a long-term plan to improve and maintain the property is considered.
Date: August 17, 2018 Report No. 2018-161
CONCLUSION:
In summary, staff recommends demolishing the structure due to its close proximity to the Bonnie
Brae widening and cost to rehabilitate the structure for public use. Staff will also coordinate
internally to incorporate the remaining property into McKenna Park once this portion of Bonnie
Brae is completed.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Photos of the house located at 2300 Scripture Road.
STAFF CONTACTS:
Mario Canizares
Assistant City Manager
(940) 349-8535
Mario.Canizares@cityofdenton.com
1 of 4
2300 Scripture Street—Photos
Utilities are turned off
Rear view Formal Living/Dining
Pantry Kitchen
2 of 4
2300 Scripture Street—Photos
Utilities are turned off
Breakfast room
Family room/addition Family room/addition
Breakfast room
Laundry First Bedroom
3 of 4
2300 Scripture Street—Photos
Utilities are turned off
Second Bedroom Hall Bath
Master Bath Rear— possible foundation issues
4 of 4
2300 Scripture Street—Photos
Utilities are turned off
Deferred maintenance Possible foundation issues
Deferred maintenance/possible infestation Deferred maintenance