[StBernard] Razing drive to start in Meraux

[Westley Annis]

Razing drive to start in Meraux
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
St. Bernard bureau

More than seven months after Hurricane Katrina's surge flooded St. Bernard
Parish and rocked many homes off their foundations, contractors today are
scheduled to begin demolishing thousands of damaged properties. 

Bulldozers will hit the first three homes targeted in Lexington Place
subdivision in Meraux, one of the parish's hardest-hit communities. The
homes had addresses at 3408, 3500 and 3508 Bradbury St., though it was
unclear if they were left at those locations after the storm. 

The houses are on a list of 2,900 homes set for demolition, most at the
request of their owners. Owners signed up more than 3,300 properties for
demolition, but about 400 of those have been removed at the request of
owners, whom officials said had asked for the wrecking ball and changed
their minds later. 

Parish crews began testing targeted homes earlier this year in various
areas, including Arabi, another heavily damaged community. But they said
they are not starting with the Arabi houses because some of those tested
positive for asbestos. The Meraux homes tested negative, officials said. 

Residents have until May 31 to sign up their homes for demolition by the
government by calling the parish's Community Development department at (504)
278-4310. To check on the status of a pending demolition request, call
contractor Unified Recovery Group at (504) 281-2610.