The East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority is working out the details of legislation that would make it easier for all redevelopment authorities in Louisiana, of which there are currently five, to clean up blighted properties. Specifically, the legislation—which will be introduced during the upcoming legislative session—will target adjudicated properties, or those that have unpaid property tax liens against them, and will include a proposed constitutional amendment that would reduce the redemption time owners of blighted property have to pay unpaid taxes from 36 to 12 months. (The amendment would change the redemption period in New Orleans from 18 to 12 months.) A separate bill would require the owners of tax-adjudicated properties to pay their tax liens at the same time they pay their property taxes. While that may seem like a no-brainer, New Orleans is the only city in the state in which that’s currently done. Local RDA President and CEO Walter Monsour says New Orleans began streamlining its adjudicated property process about 18 months ago and has “had a phenomenal record of bringing blighted properties back into commerce.” He concedes there will always be resistance from those who fear the government is going to come in and take their properties. “Clearly there are some sensitivities,” he says. “On the other hand, other states and cities that have been doing this are making leaps and strides in terms of eliminating adjudicated properties.” Monsour says other details of the legislation are still being finalized. He declines to say who will sponsor the legislation. —Stephanie Riegel
Editor’s note: This story has been changed since its original publication. Walter Monsour was originally identified as RDA Executive Director; he is the RDA President and CEO.
