A recent report discusses the extension of the deadline for property owners to tell the Department of Community Development what they plan to do with their Hurricane Katrina-damaged homes.

St. Bernard extends property deadline
Parish needs to know rebuilding plans

A three-member committee of the St. Bernard Parish Council unanimously agreed Thursday to extend to May 31 the deadline for property owners to tell the Department of Community Development what they plan to do with their Hurricane Katrina-damaged homes.

Several months ago the council said homeowners had to decide by today whether they wanted their properties demolished at government expense, gutted by volunteer groups or repaired at their own expense.

But many property owners, waiting for federal flood elevation advisories, insurance settlements or other information, have not decided and have been flooding council members' offices with phone calls seeking an extension.

Though Thursday's decision gives them more time, Mike Hunnicutt, director of the Department of Community Development, still asked that owners call (504) 278-4310 or visit his office on the second floor of the government complex as soon as possible even if they remain undecided.

FEMA will cover demolition costs for properties with damage totaling at least 50 percent of pre-Katrina value. Parish officials have said no home will be demolished without the owner's permission up to a point. So far, owners of 2,500 of the parish's 27,000 homes have asked that the homes be demolished, Hunnicutt said. Owners of 1,500 to 2,000 homes and about 50 businesses have indicated they are renovating, he said.

Officials said it is essential for people to decide because FEMA has said it will pay 100 percent of the cost for demolitions only through June 30, but officials are hoping that deadline too will be extended.

Hunnicutt said it will take the parish more than six months to carry out the demolition program, razing about 30 homes a day, regardless of what choices homeowners make. Hunnicutt said 3,000 to 4,000 homes will have to be razed, even if owners protest, because of the extent of damage.

Home inspection results can be obtained through the parish Web site, www.sbpg.net, or by calling the community development office at (504) 278-4310.

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St. Bernard extends property deadline