Property blight enforcement draws criticism from city council

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The City of Shreveport has a problem of vacant, run-down buildings with their owners being out-of-state or foreign-operated. The ongoing issue brought out further calls for intervention during Monday’s city council work session.

Councilman Grayson Boucher is looking for answers as to why a construction project of the Sheraton Hotel on East 70th Street is taking years to complete. The owner lives in the Dallas metro area.

“It’s taken six years. I think that’s plenty of time. I think residents and the city are going to be losing their patience,” said Councilman Grayson Boucher, District D.

The issue highlighted the larger problem every district is experiencing of buildings left as eyesores.

“What can we do if they don’t finish? Do we have any recourse against this company?” asked Councilman Gary Brooks, District B.

The city said as long as property taxes are paid any enforcement is limited.

“I don’t know if we have any money in it. I don’t know if there’s much that can be done. We can have influence but I don’t know if there’s more we can do with this situation,” said Marcus Edwards, city attorney.

Council members said it is the same situation with neglected apartment complexes.

“We have these issues with these ol’ raggedy tail slumlords that do what they want to do and come into our city leaving these buildings the way they are,” said Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor, District A.

The city has the power to enforce building and property codes which council member said needs to be stricter moving forward. Councilwoman Ursula Bowman is calling for an audit into Property Standards to review complaints and follow-ups.