[StBernard] Lien Law?

[Westley Annis]

I don't think it would become government property, it would just mean that
they cannot sell their property without paying off the lien. Although I am
not sure what would happen if the fines/liens pile up enough to equal the
value of the property - can anyone comment?

See the article at http://www.sbpg.net/mar23a.html - reprinted below.

St. Bernard Parish government intends to start placing liens the week of
March 26-April 1 on hurricane-damaged property where the grass isn't being
cut or homes haven't been cleaned or secured, under a month-old law calling
for daily civil penalties of $100 per day.

In some cases, where owners have gone a month without doing anything since
the law was approved by the Parish Council on Feb. 22, the liens could be as
much as $3,000 which would have to be satisfied if the property is sold,
Parish Chief Administrative Officer David Peralta said.

But the penalties can be forgiven if owners show proof the work has been
done.

More than 300 negligent properties found to be violating the ordinance are
currently listed on the parish website at www.sbpg.net, and could be subject
to liens if the owners don't show proof of work done.

"If you have taken no action (to cut grass or secure homes) you will have a
lien placed'' on the negligent property, Peralta said.

If property has been cited, a photo of the home and mowed lawns or a receipt
showing grass-cutting has been paid for should be brought to Peralta's
office on the second floor of the parish government building. Compliance
officers are continuing to check properties and are also working based on
complaints filed about properties. To file a complaint, residents can call
(504) 278-4225.

Also, a list of people who say they are performing grass-cutting services is
on the parish website.

The Council passed the permanent law after first endorsing an emergency
measure, saying residents deserve to live in an environment where everyone
takes care of their property.

Going forward with liens on negligent property "will show that this issue
won't go away'' if people ignore the law, Council member Craig Taffaro said.

Council members have said that some owners were moved to cut grass after the
emergency and permanent ordinances passed but many still haven't responded.