Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety And Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council orders emergency demolition of dilapidated house at 704 M Street after neighbor testimony
Summary
Following neighbor testimony that the structure posed an immediate hazard, the New Iberia City Council approved an emergency demolition for 704 M Street with a 48‑hour appeal period for the owner; staff will solicit demolition quotes and explore pest-control measures.
The New Iberia City Council on Aug. 20 declared the structure at 704 M Street dilapidated and authorized an emergency demolition after neighbors described collapsing walls and a roof failure that threaten the adjacent house.
Elena Smith, who said her 91‑year‑old grandmother Loyce Brown lives next door, told the council the vacant house is dangerous and could collapse onto the neighboring home. "Something needs to happen. She lives alone, you know, it's dangerous," Smith said during the public hearing. She asked for demolition and for precautions to control animals or debris that might emerge when the building is opened.
City staff described the house as having a collapsed roof and exterior brick veneer that is failing, and said the property threatens the adjoining residence. Staff confirmed notices were sent to the property owners and that the property appears to be adjudicated following a tax sale. Because the structure presents an immediate threat, the council used emergency-demolition authority that shortens the usual notice and appeal timelines.
Councilwoman D. Johnson Reed moved to open and carry the emergency demolition resolution (Resolution 24‑106); Councilman Marlon Lewis seconded. Staff said owners will have a 48‑hour appeal period (shortened from the usual five days) to file a district court suit if they wish to contest the demolition; if no appeal is filed the city may solicit demolition pricing and schedule work immediately. Staff also agreed to check with parish pest-control resources and private pest-control vendors to mitigate rodents or other animals that could be displaced by demolition.
Owner information listed in the hearing record is C and G Holdings LLC; staff said the property had previously appeared on the city’s adjudicated-property list and that the condition is among the worst they have encountered. The council and staff discussed steps to notify property owners and neighbors after the vote and to obtain demolition quotes without waiting for the appeal period to expire so demolition can proceed promptly if no appeal is filed.
What the council authorized
- Emergency demolition of the building at 704 M Street. - A 48‑hour appeal period for owners to file suit in district court, per the shortened emergency process described in staff-prepared language. - Staff to obtain demolition pricing immediately and to consult pest-control providers to lessen the risk of displaced animals affecting neighboring properties.
Why it matters
City staff said the structure presents imminent danger to life and property, particularly to the adjacent 706 M Street residence occupied by an elderly homeowner. The shortened timeline and emergency authority were invoked because staff judged the risk too great to proceed under standard, longer procedures.
Next steps
Staff will notify owners of the council decision, solicit demolition quotes and contact pest-control providers for recommendations. If the owner files an appeal in district court within 48 hours, demolition will be stayed pending the court process.
