Nola Reporter

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today began the demolition of the abandoned property located at 1031 N. Claiborne Ave. 

Located in the historic Treme neighborhood, the property at 1031 N. Claiborne Ave. is a longtime abandoned site and was announced as part of the City's "Dirty Dozen" most notable blighted property list in November 2023. Previously known as the Harlequin Theatre, this property was found guilty of 10 violations, including trash and debris, unmaintained sidewalks, and deteriorating exterior walls and surfaces, and, as a result, fined $4,500 as of November 2023. 

The Department of Code Enforcement also began the demolition of the blighted site at 1440 Henriette Delille St. following a fire in February 2023. As of March 11, Code Enforcement has performed 18 demolitions this year. In 2023, 148 demolitions were completed, surpassing 2022’s total of 105 demolitions by 41 percent. The Department of Code Enforcement also collected approximately $2.3 million in fines and fees, exceeding 2022 by over 20 percent. 

“Today’s demolitions further highlight our efforts in fighting blight and protecting public safety,” said Code Enforcement Director Anthony Davis. “The Department of Code Enforcement stands committed to doing the necessary work to remove blight and reinvigorate our communities. By removing these eyesores, we can all move forward together and help yield a bright future for not only economic development but also the overall quality of life for our residents and visitors.” 

“Residents deserve to live in peace and harmony in their communities, and when we allow blight to persist, it does a grave disservice to our communities,” said Councilmember Eugene Green of District D. “I am pleased that Mr. Davis and the Department of Code Enforcement is taking action following my office’s concerns regarding this property and blight in our community in general. Little by little, one by one, we will eradicate the issue of blight in our city.” 

Code Enforcement is working in collaboration with the City Attorney’s office, Municipal and Traffic courts and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) to utilize the recently amended Criminal Blight Statute. Owners of criminally blighted properties have been referred to the NOPD, and efforts have begun to serve defendants to appear in Municipal Court due to the condition of their properties.  

As work is ongoing at the 1031 N. Claiborne Ave. site, residents, as well as media personnel, are encouraged to avoid this area if possible and use caution if driving or walking nearby. 

Original source can be found here.