[StBernard] Parish takes new approach to fight blight

[Westley Annis]

Parish takes new approach to fight blight
 
CHALMETTE, La. -- St. Bernard Parish is taking an unusual approach to
cleaning up blight more than three years after Hurricane Katrina.


The "Building a Week" program aims to raze one derelict business a week in
hopes of spurring greater investment and giving residents more tangible
signs of recovery.

Parish President Craig Taffaro says the demolitions are being done in-house
at an estimated cost of $1,000 to $2,000. He says costs may not be
reimbursed by the federal government but that the parish sees it as a wise
investment. He says liens will be placed on properties razed.

While the program's still new, he says it has had positive results. He
points to one business getting a permit for repair work after being targeted
for demolition.