Baton Rouge has received an extension from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to continue with flood debris removal and Mayor Sharon Weston Broome has announced the next phase: Addressing abandoned homes.
In instances where the abandoned properties “represent significant short- and long-term concerns associated with neighborhood blight and public health and safety,” Baton Rouge officials will use the condemnation process to tear them down, according to a release from Broome’s office.
“These homes are set to be demolished in the coming weeks and months with all resulting debris cleared from the public right-of-way following demolitions,” read the release.
Broome’s office says it requested the extension from GOHSEP on Jan. 18, adding it will allow for federal cost-share reimbursements to continue through Aug. 13.
“This extension provides a much needed opportunity to utilize federal resources to support that recovery process across our most heavily impacted neighborhoods while continuing to address the needs of our residents associated with the flood debris that still remains across Baton Rouge,” says Broome in a prepared statement.
