[StBernard] St. Bernard begins razing abandoned houses

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard begins razing abandoned houses

Published: Thursday, April 12, 2012, 5:59 PM

 By The Times-Picayune 

St. Bernard Parish government and the Sheriff's Office have begun efforts to
raze blighted, abandoned houses. Some are believed to be used as drug-stash
areas, Sheriff-elect James Pohlmann said.

Parish President David Peralta and Pohlmann initiated the joint program.

The houses were abandoned by owners after Hurricane Katrina. Others are
being evaluated for later demolition.

More than 300 abandoned houses could be taken down parishwide, Peralta said,
with the cost paid by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"We have re-instituted the program to demolish blighted, abandoned houses as
a public safety issue, as well as abandoned houses believed being used for
criminal activity," he said.

Pohlmann said the Sheriff's Office has asked the parish to fast-track
demolition of 20 to 30 houses believed to be used by drug-dealers in several
areas of the parish as places to hide their drugs.

"Drug-dealers on the streets develop some sophistication and are known for
not keeping the stuff on them in order to prevent being surprised by police
officers or people intent on robbing them," Pohlmann said.

Having such areas where drugs or guns are stored makes it more difficult for
sheriff's deputies, he said.

"I think this will make a difference in helping fight crime,'' he said.

The houses can be demolished only after a process of trying to contact
owners who have done little to repair abandoned houses, Peralta said.

Clay Dillon, chief compliance officer for parish government and Dep. Jeff
Kenney, who serves as the sheriff's Quality of Life Officer, have been
identifying abandoned houses and spearheading the program to begin the
demolition process.

Peralta said it isn't fair to ask people devastated by Hurricane Katrina to
return to the parish if parish government doesn't try to eliminate the last
of blighted, abandoned areas.

C 2012 NOLA.com. All rights reserved.