The problem is well known.
Abandoned apartment complexes in Shreveport that include The Pines, The Jolie, Villa Norte and Centenary Commons.
Property standards violations have been ignored.
Crime and fires have become regular activities in these complexes plus declines in property values near and adjacent properties.
The cost of demolition is substantial.
There have been discussions of the potential of the Louisiana National Guard handling these demos.
But there is a potential problem of asbestosis in the old structures.
Any demolitions of these large properties will reportedly require approval of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). And asbestosis removal/abatement is a top priority when issuing demolition permits that could potentially release harmful asbestosis into the air and endanger public health.
This means that the costs of demolition may be increased by the abatement costs and further delayed. Any award of a contract to remove asbestosis must go through the public bid process. This means potentially more costs to the City and time delay, even if the National Guard handles the problem.
Mayor Tom has basically thrown up his hands on demolition since his thoughts about a 2% water bill surcharge were torpedoed in a big, big way by citizen and Council pushback. In the meantime, while the demo ball is now being pushed to the Council, it may be prudent to have these complexes inspected for asbestosis and start the public bid process when funds can be pulled if no funds can be located for demolition.
Bad news does not get better with time and education on potential asbestosis will not only be helpful, but politically and practically a good business decision.