Shreveport hearing officer orders demolitions, cleanups and fines across city property-docket

A hearing officer in Shreveport’s Environmental Court on April 21 signed judgments ordering several demolitions, municipal cleanups and fines and reset dozens of other property-code cases for follow-up dates over the next two to three months.

The court issued demolition orders for multiple long-standing troubled properties, authorized city-led cleanup on several lots, and imposed fines when owners had not secured vacant structures. The hearing officer said she would “go ahead and order the demo, but I will give a 60 day window rather than my traditional 30 day window” in one case where a pending sheriff’s sale could transfer ownership, a decision intended to avoid unnecessary city expense if a bank or purchaser takes title.

Why it matters: The rulings affect dozens of vacant or deteriorated buildings across Shreveport and delegate responsibility — and often cost — to property owners or the city. Several orders emphasized public-safety risks from unsecured structures, overgrown lots and accumulated debris, which the court treated as immediate hazards requiring municipal action or demolition.

The most significant orders and next steps - 2409421PSD, 5555 Financial Plaza: Judgment ordering demolition with a 60-day hold to allow the pending sheriff’s sale (June 4) to conclude; demolition estimate provided to the court was $546,655 and the city had discussed a higher estimate informally. The hearing officer said the 60-day window was intended to avoid city outlays if the bank or another buyer takes title. (Inspector/representative: Denise Jackson.) - 2408408PSD & 2408986PSG, 1937 Garden Street: Inspector Ray reported continued deterioration; the hearing officer signed a judgment ordering demolition and cleanup. - 2410050PST, 1961 Grover Street: By agreement the hearing officer ordered city demolition; city staff will handle contracting and the owner will be billed and offered payment arrangements. - 2412602PSD / 24121390PSG, 3412 Lillian Street: Hearing officer ordered immediate care-premises cleanup and will attempt further service before moving forward on a demolition; matter reset for May 15 for service and status. - 2312607PSD, 2802 Corbett Street: After repeated continuances and inspections, the hearing officer ordered demolition.

City cleanups and sign-offs - The court ordered the city to handle cleanup (judgment entered) for properties including 2904 Midway Street (2408990PSG), 2747 West Caperton Street (2405621PSD) and 2831 Exposition Avenue (2405532PSG, abated and closed). - Several properties were confirmed abated and closed on the docket, including 5729 Grantham Street (2403393PSG), 1704 Norton Drive (2405569PSG), 4612 Linwood Avenue (24121445PSG), 554 Marks Street (24091011PSG) and 719 Cujo Street (24121394PSG).

Extensions, fines and conditions - 2402156PSD, 401 Jordan Street: Because inspectors reported ongoing, historic-preservation–style work, the hearing officer extended the compliance date to July 17 (about 90 days). - 2412641PSD, 3412 Palm Road: Owner Sharonda Brown received a 60-day extension to June 12 to continue rehabilitation work. - 2404244PSD, 634 Topeka Street: Owner Vincent Wright has installed most windows but one remained open; the hearing officer imposed a $100 daily fine to run until the final window is enclosed. - 2408385PSD, 1738 Murphy Street: Because of prolonged delay, the court assessed a $100 fine and reset the matter for May 15. - 24101207CAB, 2927 Looney Street: The court issued a $50 fine for a vehicle left on the property and reset the matter for May 15; the owner was given instructions on where to pay and the city clerk’s office will enter payment if made today.

Scheduling and proof requirements - The court repeatedly instructed owners to provide contracts or documentation of work (for example the hearing officer instructed the owner of 238 East 70th St. to bring a written contractor agreement before the May 15 docket) and reset multiple matters to May 15, June 12 or July 17 depending on the case history and health or hardship claims.

Appeals and next steps - The hearing officer noted each party’s right to appeal judgments to the First JDC (First Judicial District Court) and reminded owners that demolitions handled by the city typically result in liens and a billing process with payment-plan options discussed by staff.

Court statements and evidence - The hearing officer repeatedly emphasized public-safety and cost considerations: “I will sign a judgment ordering the demolition and the cleanup of the property” in cases where inspectors reported structural instability or prolonged noncompliance. Inspectors from Property Standards (Lisa Hayes, Inspector Davis, Inspector Ray and others) presented photos and field reports that the court used to justify orders.

What to watch next - Multiple matters were reset to May 15 (initial rechecks), June 12 (60-day extensions) or July 17 (90-day extensions). Owners ordered to provide contractor contracts, proof of abatement or sale documents should file those items with Property Standards before the return dates to avoid municipal cleanup or demolition and possible fines.

Ending: Several property owners told the court they are working with contractors, nonprofits or workforce programs to rehabilitate structures; the hearing officer allowed extra time in select cases where progress or active plans were documented, while ordering demolition or municipal cleanup where inspectors reported no material progress over repeated inspection cycles.