December 29, 2009
Council Vice President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson will host a Special Recovery Committee meeting, Monday, January 4 in the Council Chamber, to address administration plans to discontinue blight hearings.
“Blight affects every neighborhood in this city,” Clarkson said. “It’s a public safety issue, a quality of life issue, an economic development issue, and affects property values.”
“The cost of holding blight hearings is minimal compared to the benefits - both financial and otherwise. Eradicating blight creates revenue through enforced collection of fines and fees and through returning abandoned buildings to residential and commercial use.
“It makes absolutely zero financial sense to curtail these efforts. This unfortunate decision is short-sighted and will cost the city dearly in the long run.”
She added, “I am hopeful that through neighborhood involvement, the Council and the administration can work together toward a reasonable solution.”
Administration officials representing the Law Department, Chief Administrative Office, and Code Enforcement have been invited to the meeting.
Several lawyers representing firms that have been involved in blight hearings and many neighborhood leaders are also confirmed to attend.
CONTACT:
Jacquelyn Cole
Director of Communications / Special Projects
Office of Councilmember-at-Large Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson
1300 Perdido St., New Orleans, LA. 70112
Office: (504) 658.1072 / Cell: (504) 577.3600
E-mail: jlcole@cityofno.com
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