Shreveport Names Overgrown Lots Its Number One Neighborhood Problem

If you talk to Shreveport folks and ask them what needs to be done better in our community, many will say it could be cleaner. Blight and overgrown properties is a top concern. Mayor Tom Arceneaux has told KEEL News the survey done last year shows residents top concern has to do with mowing and overgrown lots.

The Property Standards Committee is meeting today to talk about several key topics on this front. Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor has asked for an update on vacant apartments and vacant buildings in the city. She also wants information on enforcement efforts.

Taylor is also asking for any information on at least 4 abandoned apartment complexes that were on the auction block earlier this summer. At least report, only the Pines on Line Avenue had any bidders.

Will Block By Block Initiative Continue

Last year, Mayor Arceneaux kicked off the Block By Block initiative to combat blight in the city. He will give the panel an update on the status of that program and let them know if it will be continuing.

Neighborhood Sweeps in Shreveport

The city will be hosting sweeps in a few more neighborhoods this year. On August 5, there will be a concentrated effort in District A in the MLK area. On September 9, there will be a sweep in District F at Ingleside and Werner Park. And on October 7th, the city will conduct a sweep in District B in the Caddo Heights area.

What City Departments Will Take Part in these Efforts?

• Code enforcement
• Vacant and blighted properties
• Illegal dumping
• Overgrown lots
• Bulk waste removal
• Grass cutting
• Property inspections
• Redevelopment of vacant properties through SIRA

But the Property Standards Committee also wants to get an update on grass cutting across the city and bulk pickups of tree limbs following a couple of weeks of strong storms.