Morgan City grapples with blighted properties

The Morgan City Council on Thursday approved a process to condemn blighted properties.
Three properties were identified as having serious problems, mostly roof problems.
Letters were sent out to property owners requiring them to attend the December council meeting to show cause why the building or structure should not be condemned.
None of the three property owners attended the meeting.
Certified letters resulted in only one notification that someone received a letter from the compliance officer.
The letters were sent to property owners uncooperative with efforts to secure and repair property to bring it into compliance.
Two of the properties were cited as unsecure and is deemed unsafe due to the deteriorating exterior façade.
Properties are located on Roselawn Drive, Aucoin Street and Arizona Street.
“At this point, we’ve notified all three property owners, as a city we must take one step forward,” Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi said.
With current procedures already in place and ample time notifying residents of property status, the council voted to move forward with the condemning process. Councilman Ronald Bias abstained from the vote.
The fire chief or fire marshal will inspect properties to certify whether the property is salvageable or to be condemned.
Residents will have 60 days to repair or take some action to comply.