Owner Bryant faces fines for delayed roof repairs on damaged property

The City of Shreveport's Environmental Court convened on March 13, 2025, to address several property violations, focusing on the urgent need for repairs and demolitions of unsafe structures. The meeting highlighted ongoing issues with property maintenance and the challenges faced by homeowners in securing necessary funding for repairs.

One significant case involved a property owner, Albert Bryant, who reported delays in obtaining a loan to repair a house with a damaged roof. Despite his efforts to secure financing, the court noted that no repairs had been made since the last inspection in September 2024. The court set a new hearing date for May 15, 2025, and imposed a $100 fine, warning that further daily fines would be applied if the roof was not repaired by that date. The court emphasized the importance of moving forward with repairs to prevent further deterioration of the structure.

Another case discussed involved a property at 2519 Regent Street, which had seen significant cleanup progress, leading the court to declare the matter abated. This marked a positive outcome amid the broader concerns regarding property maintenance in the city.

The court also addressed a property at 804 Bates Street, where the owner, Ebony Taylor Jackson, requested additional time to secure a contractor for demolition. The court granted a 60-day extension, allowing her to find a suitable contractor while ensuring the property remained clean and maintained.

In contrast, the court ordered the demolition of three structures on a property owned by Mr. Bell, citing a lack of progress in addressing violations that had been open since September 2023. Despite Mr. Bell's attempts to sell or donate the properties, the court determined that the structures posed a safety hazard and needed to be removed.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by property owners in Shreveport, particularly in securing funding for repairs and navigating the legal requirements for property maintenance. The court's decisions reflect a commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining community standards, while also providing property owners with opportunities to rectify violations. The next court date is set for May 15, 2025, where further updates on these cases will be reviewed.