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Council sets 30-day deadline as backup plan for dilapidated house at 1608 Elm Street
Summary
At a public hearing the New Iberia City Council gave the property owner 30 days to demolish the severely deteriorated house at 1608 Elm Street or allow the city to proceed under a contingency plan if a state demolition grant does not fund the work.
The New Iberia City Council held a hearing on the condition of a building at 1608 Elm Street and set a 30-day period for the property owner or estate to demolish the structure, with the council reserving the right to proceed if the state grant that would fund demolition does not come through.
City staff explained the property is owned by an estate (Muriel Abshire/Marie estate) with Maureen Marie named as executrix; the city has provided notice to the estate and to the estate’s attorney. The structure has suffered significant deterioration, including a recent roof collapse, and staff described the building as a “demolition by neglect” case. The grant-funded demolition program is the city’s preferred “Plan A”; the 30-day timeline establishes a Plan B should the grant not be approved or be delayed.
Council and staff discussed logistics and timing: the city has completed required environmental steps (including asbestos testing) and is awaiting the state’s authorization to proceed under the grant. If the council’s 30-day demand is issued, state law allows a five-day period during which the owner can appeal to district court. Staff noted that the city would put the demolition work out to bid promptly once the grant is authorized, and that the grant covers demolition costs so the property owner should not incur expense if Plan A proceeds. Councilmembers and staff also discussed practical considerations for contractors, including removal or trimming of large trees and site access needs that would be included in demolition bids.
Staff said the city has used emergency demolition authority in rare cases and does not board or secure properties unless they present an imminent hazard to neighboring property or the public; the house at 1608 Elm Street is currently in a condition that is hazardous to the neighborhood but does not present an immediate external collapse risk, according to staff.
Ending: The council voted to give the owner 30 days to demolish the structure; if the grant does not clear or the owner does not act, the city will proceed under its backup plan to remove the hazard and bid the work as appropriate.
