[StBernard] Property Owners Asked to Decide Fate of Soaked Homes and Businesses

[Westley Annis]

Property Owners Asked to Decide Fate of Soaked Homes and Businesses 

December 18 , 2005

By: Steve Cannizaro


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Property owners being asked to decide if they will renovate or demolish

While it may still be difficult for residents to come to grips with what has
happened to their homes and businesses, parish government has begun the
process of asking them to decide whether they intend to renovate the damaged
structures or demolish them.

Employees in the Department of Community Development have been telephoning
property owners this week, based on phone numbers available.

Callers are explaining the options and what property owners would need to
under each, according to Mike Hunnicutt, director of community development.

Every structure in St. Bernard, totaling about 40,000, have been seen by
inspectors who have rated its percentage of damage, he said.

"The point of this is to notify property owners of potentially unsafe
structures,'' Hunnicutt said of the calls to owners. Some people may not
know of the inspections that have been done and they will be informed, he
said. He said some people aren't ready to make a decision on what they will
do but should start to think about it.

"We're telling them that if they choose to demolish they must fill out
forms,'' Hunnicutt said. More than 500 owners have requested free demolition
of damaged structures, he said.

Under the inspection program, more than 300 homes and businesses were
initially considered structurally unsafe and were approved for demolition by
the Parish Council. No starting date has been set for the work.

Buildings and homes will heavy damage may require further structural
inspection by an engineer, Hunnicutt said.

Owners can review inspection reports online or at the Office of Demolition,
on the second-floor of the parish government building in Chalmette, at 8201
West Judge Perez Drive. The building is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If someone intends to renovate, a building permit isn't required unless it
involves structural work, Hunnicutt said.