(The Center Square) —
Ordinance 58 is on the regular agenda legislation as the council seeks to amend Chapter 38 of the Shreveport Code of Ordinances concerning blighted structures and vacant properties. Ordinance 58 cannot be adopted before July 8.
According to the staff report, the mayoral department prepared the document and encouraged the council to adopt it.
“The City Council has determined that certain provisions of the ordinance should be amended to address the concerns raised by stakeholders while preserving the ordinance’s intended purpose,” the ordinance reads. “The amendments clarify applicability, provide more flexible compliance mechanisms, and refine enforcement standards, all while preserving the core intent of promoting public safety, encouraging rehabilitation, and reducing urban blight.”
Previously, the city council passed tabled legislation from June of last year concerning Chapter 38. Despite the mayor’s suggestions to postpone passing Ordinance 70 in order to relay comments received to the council, the council moved forward with passing the legislation, determining amendments could be added in the future.
To further address the public safety issues of blight throughout the community, the potential ordinance outlines various guidelines for standards of care for vacant structures and establishes a blighted property registration and maintenance program.
A registration fee for property owners of vacant structures is also outlined. For the first registration, the fee is $250 for single-family residential structures. All other structures are $500.
The conversation surrounding blight has been ongoing the last few weeks in Shreveport as Mayor Tom Arceneaux recently announced a new initiative called “Block by Block” aimed at targeting specific neighborhoods throughout the city.
The new initiative sparked concern from the council as many felt their lack of involvement in the planning process was a missed opportunity.
The Shreveport City Council is set to meet on Monday for its agenda-setting administrative conference and its regular session on Tuesday.
