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City Council narrows condemnation list, gives 30 days for repairs on two properties
Summary
The Natchitoches City Council amended an ordinance listing unsafe properties, removing two addresses after permits were pulled and granting 30-day status reports for two others while ordering the remaining properties to follow condemnation procedures.
The Natchitoches City Council amended an ordinance listing unsafe buildings and then approved the revised ordinance after discussion and a roll-call vote.
The amendment removed 509 Scott Loop and 115 Demozier Street from Ordinance No. 006 of 2025 because city records show building permits were pulled; council members granted 30 days for progress reports on 852 Second Street and 817 Fourth Street instead of immediate demolition. The council then adopted Ordinance No. 006, declaring the remaining listed buildings unsafe and recommending demolition or necessary repairs.
Why it matters: The ordinance authorizes the city to require repairs, notify absentee owners and, if needed, pursue demolition to protect public safety. Council members said the city has a limited set of tools and prefers to allow owners time to show progress where there is active work or clear plans.
Councilman PT read the ordinance (‘‘Ordinance number 006 of 2025, an ordinance declaring certain buildings unsafe...’’) and staff described which properties had filed permits. Councilman Harrington moved to amend the ordinance to remove 509 Scott Loop and 115 Demozier Street, noting permits were in place; Councilwoman Laura Smith and others supported a separate 30-day status period for 852 Second Street and 817 Fourth Street after hearing from a contractor and a homeowner who said work was underway or in progress.
Homeowner Cynthia Mandarino, of 817 Fourth Street, told the council she and her contractor have repeatedly sought licensed contractors and that recent licensing changes at the state level had delayed work. Contractor Greg Duggan said his residential endorsement paperwork was with the Louisiana State Licensing Board and that approval to take the residential contractor test had not yet been scheduled, leaving him unable to pull the final permit.
After the amendment vote (roll call: Eli yes; Nelson yes; Smith yes; Harrington yes; PT yes) the council approved Ordinance No. 006 by roll call. For the two properties that remain under review (852 Second and 817 Fourth), the council recorded a 30-day requirement for a written progress report to the planning department; two other addresses were removed from the condemnation list because permits were pulled.
Council members and staff asked owners and contractors to keep written records and regular email updates to planning staff so the city can confirm progress and, if needed, return the items to the agenda for demolition proceedings.
Ending: The council said it will follow up at the next meetings to confirm the 30-day progress reports and to coordinate with the Historic District Commission where demolition approvals already exist.
