Council votes unanimously to condemn structure while allowing time for family to evaluate repair costs

PORT ALLEN – The Port Allen City Council unanimously voted Wednesday night to condemn a deteriorating property at 1134 Avenue C while giving the owner until September 10th to assess whether repairs are financially feasible.

The emotional proceeding highlighted the tension between municipal code enforcement and personal family history, as property owner Edna Richardson tearfully described the home's significance while City inspector Justin Altazan detailed extensive structural damage that would require rebuilding most of the structure.

Extensive Structural Problems

Altazan's inspection report, completed July 10th and verified again Wednesday afternoon, documented widespread deterioration including:

• Main support beams compromised and sitting on the ground
• Collapsed ceiling and compromised roof
• Rotted siding and broken windows
• Large holes allowing free access to rodents and other animals
• Both access stairs compromised and unsafe
• A tree growing through the back wall

"The investment that it would take to bring that home up to meet current codes is going to far outweigh the value of what's there now," Altazan told the council.

The property, assessed at $33,000, would require repairs exceeding $200-230 per square foot according to the inspector's professional opinion. Under Louisiana building codes, any repairs costing more than 50% of a property's value—in this case $16,500—require bringing the entire structure up to current codes.

Family History vs. Municipal Enforcement

Richardson, whose grandparents originally owned the property, described it as "a family house" where multiple generations had lived and created memories. She acknowledged the deterioration but expressed hope her sons, who work in construction and electrical trades, could assess repair possibilities.

"I just wanted to get it back up to standards just to have something that we can just look back over the time that we enjoy with our family there," Richardson told the council, explaining that financial hardships from dealing with restoration issues on another property had prevented her from maintaining the Avenue C home.

The property has been unattended for approximately 10 years, with Richardson acknowledging she "fell into a hardship" trying to manage multiple properties and unreliable contractors.

Legal Process and Community Impact

City Attorney Evan Alvarez walked the council through the formal condemnation process, with Altazan confirming the structure violated at least 10 specific city ordinances related to derelict buildings.

The proceeding followed proper legal protocols, including a notice to show cause delivered to Richardson on August 1st and an opportunity for her to address the council.

Mayor Terecita Pattan noted that "several neighbors have come about the property" as complaints that initiated the enforcement action.

September Deadline

Rather than ordering immediate demolition, the council chose to condemn the property while allowing Richardson until the September 10th regular meeting to present a plan for addressing the situation.

Council members acknowledged both the family's emotional attachment and the practical realities of the extensive damage.

"I understand family values and I'm living in a family home myself," said one council member. "But we are giving you a time frame... because several neighbors have come about the property to be honest."

Richardson said her sons could assess the property within one to two weeks, though she acknowledged the timeline might need to be longer given family scheduling challenges.

Technical and Financial Challenges

Beyond the extensive structural damage, Richardson would face additional regulatory hurdles. Her sons would need to be licensed contractors with the city, and the scope of work would likely require formal plans, permits, and inspections.

Altazan explained that the extensive damage means "what's there is so compromised that you're going to have to remove it to meet the new codes," essentially requiring a complete rebuild that would eliminate the historical elements Richardson hopes to preserve.

The property also has complications from belongings stored there by other family members who are "in a bind right now," according to Richardson, preventing her from fully addressing the situation.

Next Steps

Richardson will receive formal notice of the September 10th deadline and is expected to present the council with either a concrete repair plan or agreement to demolish the structure.

If repairs prove financially unfeasible, Richardson indicated willingness to proceed with demolition: "If I have to, I'm willing to tear it down because we just got to look at it as God's willing."

The case demonstrates Port Allen's commitment to enforcing property maintenance standards while attempting to balance community concerns with individual circumstances.

The September 10th council meeting will determine whether Richardson receives additional time for repairs or faces an order to demolish the condemned structure.

The complete condemnation proceeding, including inspector testimony and legal citations, is available in the August 13th Port Allen City Council meeting recording.