Sherwood Village Property Owners discuss persistent squatters and property liens

Concerns over a long-standing property issue took center stage at the Grand Prairie Building Advisory & Appeals Board meeting on July 7, 2025. Residents of Sherwood Village voiced their frustrations regarding a mobile home that has become a hotspot for illegal activity and a source of distress for the community.

Tommy Kent, a former president of the Sherwood Village Property Owners Association, detailed the ongoing struggle to evict squatters from the abandoned property. He revealed that the home has been unoccupied since the owner passed away in 2017, and despite efforts to seek legal assistance, the situation remains unresolved. "We spent thousands of dollars on attorneys trying to get them out, and we couldn't do it," Kent lamented, highlighting the challenges faced by the homeowners' association in enforcing property regulations.

The board heard from Carolina Talamantes, another representative from the association, who echoed Kent's concerns. She explained that the granddaughter of the deceased owner has failed to take action to rectify the situation, leaving the community feeling unsafe. "Our shareholders are afraid," Talamantes stated, emphasizing the fear residents have of the unknown individuals frequenting the property.

The board discussed potential solutions, including the possibility of placing a lien on the property due to unpaid homeowners association dues. However, the lack of ownership complicates the eviction process, as the association does not have the legal authority to board up or demolish the structure.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the need for further assistance and resources to help the community address the ongoing issues. The residents of Sherwood Village are left hoping for a resolution that will restore safety and order to their neighborhood.