Nola Reporter

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans Department of Code Enforcement today announced the immediate demolition of the abandoned property located at 4101 Encampment St. in the St. Bernard neighborhood. Demolition work began yesterday, Jan. 4 and is expected to be completed today, Jan. 5.

“Today marks yet another win for the newly established Department of Code Enforcement, as well as the St. Bernard area,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Sitting across from McDonogh 35 and on a major thoroughfare, this property has been a notable eyesore and nuisance for our students and the community as a whole. The majority of residents surveyed during our community budget meetings noted quality of life as their top priority, and Code Enforcement is continuing to put in the necessary work to make our neighborhoods beautiful and reinvigorate our city.”

On Dec. 14, 2022, a Code Enforcement judgment in the amount of $4,575 was rendered after the owner was found guilty of nine violations, ranging from overgrown vegetation and rodent issues to dilapidated fences, walls and exterior surfaces. On Feb. 13, 2023, the property was found to be a blight and public nuisance, and a Daily Fines Judgment in the amount of $15,210 was issued. On Dec. 18, 2023, the Departments of Code Enforcement and Safety and Permits determined the property was an imminent danger, warranting emergency demolition. The property had also become a haven for criminal activity, containing evidence of shell casings. Over the last two years, there have been several murders and shootings in the area.  

“Demolishing this building will transform the deteriorated landscape across from McDonogh 35 Senior High School and eliminate a long-standing public nuisance,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02). “The removal of blighted properties like this one addresses public health concerns, ensuring safer living conditions for New Orleans residents and fostering community well-being.”  

“The demolition of the Encampment property is important for multiple reasons,” said District D Councilmember Eugene Green. “The most important: the result of years of neglect poses an immediate threat to children and to neighbors. In addition, its neglect has been disrespectful and disruptive to neighbors and those who visit the neighborhood, which includes those who have invested significantly in their homes and quality of life. Let us not forget the negative impact on students at the McDonogh 35 Senior High School across the street from this derelict property. I appreciate the work of the new, voter-created Department of Code Enforcement in making our community safer and enhanced through the removal of this blight from this historic Pilotland community and our city.” 

At the beginning of last year, Code Enforcement received a $10 million boost to their budget, allowing them to more aggressively and efficiently tackle blight across the city. In 2023, they completed 152 demolitions, representing a 45 percent increase from 2022. They also cut 5,761 lots, which was a 43 percent increase from 2022. The total fines and fees collected amount to over $2.4 million dollars, representing a 13 percent increase from 2022.

Original source can be found here.