A recent report discusses efforts by the City of Mandeville LA (70448, 70470-71) to address properties abandoned since Hurricane Katrina.

Mandeville Homes & Businesses May Be Headed for Wrecking Ball

Certified letters are going out next week to Mandeville homeowners and some businesses warning them that properties abandoned or untouched since Hurricane Katrina will come down if the owners don't take action, Mandeville Mayor Eddie Price said Thursday.

In an interview with StTammany.com, Price said that the City Council is “gravely concerned about the condition of many abandoned properties.”  Many have become health and safety hazards because belongings left in many hurricane-ravaged homes have had 10 months to fester and mold.

“If you are out there and own one of these homes, please come forward and take action because if you don’t, we will be forced to,” Price said.  He added that of the six irreparably damaged businesses, five are working with the city and one is not.  Price did not identify the non-complying business.

In order to condemn a property, Price said that strict protocol must be followed.  The formal notice is step one; then the City Council will make an analysis of each property before voting on further steps.  Price is hopeful that homeowners will work proactively with the city – or simply allow their properties to slide into the Right of Entry program and be demolished.

Each homeowner will be given a reasonable time within which to start repairs.  Any homeowner with a legitimate dispute with an insurance company, or other good cause, will receive a stay from the wrecking ball, Price said.   

The mayor said he's concerned that many of the severely damaged homes that may need to come down may have historic significance.  He said that it is difficult to pit historic value against public safety, and that he will endeavor to work closely with the state’s historical society or other relevant entities to determine which salvageable homes may be protected by virtue of their history.

Price said it is heartbreaking to know that his administration will forever be known to have torn down some of Mandeville’s history.  “When a house is barely standing, it may have no value left whatsoever. The ground beneath it, which may have historic consequence, is of value,” Price said.

While the city will work with homeowners and businesses wishing to rebuild, it will not allow lollygagging at the price of the community’s health and safety, he said.  

Recently, the Slidell city council approved demolition of nearly 20 homes at the request of homeowners.  Additionally,  a large batch of abandoned houses were condemned last month and are set for removal by the Army Corps of Engineers.  

To view the online article, please click on the following link.

Mandeville LA Demolitions