Commissioner Young calls for aggressive action against squatters in Highland

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—Fires at abandoned properties in Highland have become more frequent, leaving residents concerned for their safety and elected officials considering how they can protect communities through code enforcement and legislation.

Caddo Commissioner District 4 John Paul Young said the problem has worsened, as multiple abandoned properties have burned, creating a public safety hazard.

“Those two weeks, probably two to four more houses will be burned down by meth heads in my neighborhood,” said Young.

Commissioner John Paul Young has seen several homes burn recently in Highland, the district he represents. At least two of the fires were determined to have been caused by squatters. Commissioner Young has been in talks with city leaders, including Councilman Gary Brooks, who also represents Highland.

They are pushing for more vigorous enforcement and legislative action to remove squatters. Highland residents have seen the fires firsthand.

“He’s very concerned about it as well. And he’s trying to create enough city council support to force stronger action by police,” Young said.

Young says the Caddo Commission is pushing for state lawmakers to enact a law that would make evicting squatters easier. However, some commissioners feel the legislative process will not move fast enough to address the issue with the immediacy it requires.

“If we move today, it wouldn’t be fast enough to address the issues that you were speaking of,” said Commissioner for District 7 Stormy Gage Watts.

Young proposes that the Caddo Commission award 100,000 dollars to Shreveport Property Standards to help board up abandoned homes.

“We need to seal up houses so people can’t get in them and burn them down,” Young said. “Call your representatives, call your city councilmen, call the mayor. Tell them you want to save our city from being burned down.”

The Caddo Commission will meet again on this agenda item in two weeks.