Mayor Tom Arceneaux has declared a Public Health and Safety Emergency in connection with the Linwood Homes apartments located at 7210 Bernstein Avenue. It wen into effect on June 27 and will last until July 26, unless extended.
This Declaration was necessary because the owners’ actions have left the abandoned complex as a hazard to public safety and health. Squatters, scavengers and vandals have already begun to occupy and trash this complex. Without the emergency Declaration, the Police Department may not have a legal way to require that these persons vacate the property.
Mayor Arceneaux cited several issues that made this Declaration necessary:
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This property is unsafe to occupy since it lacks running water or functioning toilets.
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The trash generated by squatters and others, combined with the trash generated as the last residents moved out, is also a hazard to public health.
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This property is vulnerable to fires set by squatters and scavengers. A two-fire alarm was recently set at Linwood Homes that took thirty-two firefighters and thirteen units to control; one firefighter was injured. More can be expected if action is not taken.
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The proximity of these properties to nearby residential and commercial areas presents both public safety and health concerns.
This Declaration gives the Police Department the authority to remove and, if necessary, arrest anyone who is occupying any apartment unit, camping on the property, or scavenging any item from the property. It also authorizes Public Works and Property Standards to address health and safety hazards and remove any and all illegally dumped trash and garbage. It further authorizes any and all City departments to act to prevent or eliminate hazardous conditions affecting public safety and health.
Signs will be posted at the entrances to this complex advising everyone that entry is forbidden, and presence may result in arrest. The Police Department will enforce the ban by making periodic sweeps of the property.
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