Baton Rouge demolishes abandoned homes for safety boost

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Abandoned houses have been an issue in Baton Rouge, hurting property values and attracting crime. Officials have begun demolishing those empty properties.

So far, 125 blighted homes are gone, but 82 more are still in progress. Mayor-President Sid Edwards said removing them will open the door for safer neighborhoods across Baton Rouge.

For years, abandoned homes have been a challenge in Baton Rouge neighborhoods.

“You don’t want to have a blighted house,” said councilmember Anthony Kenney. “You know you want a beautiful home, a beautiful neighborhood, you know I believe neighbors don’t want their homes to be affected by blighted buildings in the communities.”

So far this year, the city has demolished more than double the number of blighted homes torn down in 2024. Edwards believes every property removed means safer streets.

“You know, it’s not a game. It’s just we want to get these properties that are in terrible shape, that house prostitution, house crime, drug use, and all that. The more we can tear down, the better,” said Edwards.

In some neighborhoods, residents are seeing the difference firsthand.

“I went to a neighborhood out in the avenues, and I was there when they knocked it down, the neighborhood came out and started cheering and clapping. Your quality of life goes way up,” said Edwards.

Edwards said removing blight not only boosts safety but also property values and neighborhood pride.

“It raises property value if the neighborhood’s clean and nice,” said Edwards. “It lowers it if there’s a home like that on a street or in a neighborhood. The light is a big part of crime, everything from the mood you’re in when you walk outside, and you know, if you’re in a nice, well-kept neighborhood, you can feel the difference.”

But Edwards says long-term success requires teamwork from within the community.

“But we need people who take pride in our city to watch out for litter,” said Edwards. “If you see something, help us pick it up. Be a team player. Let’s be as one on this mission to our unblight is Baton Rouge Parish.”

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