Demolition Will Make Way for New Construction and Development

The State recently notified Jefferson Parish that it has issued a “notice to proceed” to the State’s contractor for the demolition of blighted Louisiana Land Trust (LLT) properties in Jefferson Parish.

Last week, P & J Contractor of Louisiana began the first of 120 demolitions in Jefferson Parish. All demolitions are expected to be completed within the next 40 days. The demolition of these properties will make way for new construction and development on both sides of the river in Jefferson Parish.

Approximately 27 other properties will be rehabilitated by the parish Department of Community Development, sold as-is, or are properties located in the parish’s municipalities.

The LLT is a nonprofit organization formed to manage over 9,800 properties that have been purchased by the State of Louisiana under the Road Home Programs as part of the on-going recovery effort from the damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. LLT activities include maintenance, security and demolition of the properties.

The ultimate objective of the LLT is to transfer the properties to the parishes and local entities and to move these properties back into commerce.

The first step is for P & J Contractor of Louisiana to demolish the home and remove concrete slabs and flat work. Once completed, the vacant lot is offered to the adjacent property owner for purchase under the Lot Next Door Program. The final step will be a public auction of approximately 94 properties located in Metairie, Kenner, Harvey, Lafitte, Marrero and Gretna, Louisiana. The auction of these properties will be conducted by Gilmore Auction & Realty Company on August 15, 2009 at 10 a.m. in the Joseph S. Yenni Building, 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard in Jefferson in the 2nd floor Council Chambers. For a detailed list of properties to be auctioned, log onto www.gilmoreauction.com.

“With the removal of 50 slabs and 70 structures during the next six weeks along with hard work and dedication of the leadership and citizens of Jefferson Parish, this is a huge step in the recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita”, said Michael Taylor, LLT executive director.

For more information about the Lot Next Door Program, contact Nicole Tomba with the Jefferson Parish Attorney’s Office at 504-731-4503. For information regarding the demolition process, contact Camp Dresser & McKee at 504-245-5739.