TS: Ark-La-Tex Homeowners Want Rundown Properties Out of the Neighborhood

Rundown properties are all over the Ark-La-Tex. They might be hard to look at, but, imagine living right next door to one. Our Troubleshooters office has recieved tons of calls from frustrated viewers who say they just don`t know what to do. Most people think they can report property violations to the city and get immediate results. But, cities in Louisiana have to go through a lengthy legal process before they can take any action. For those who live next to these properties, that is hard to understand. "We`ve got houses on both sides of the street, some of the houses are burned out and nothing`s being done about it," Clide Williams, a Shreveport resident, said. Williams says he is proud of his well kept home. But, the view from his garden isn`t much to brag about. A massive blaze destroyed the home directly across from his lot more than a year ago. Yet, the debris sits as it if happened just yesterday. "They came by and said they were going to tear it down along with some property on the corner, they did tear down that property, but the burned out house is still there. The Shreveport Code Enforcement Bureau intends to tear down the house. However, neighbors like Owens say it is taking far too long. But, when it comes to property violations, the city has it`s hands full. "We tear down between 100 and 200 substandard homes each year," Wardell Bowie, Bureau Chief for Shreveport Code Enforcement, said. Bowie says the process can take between 6 and 8 months before the city can take action. "We do a lot here, with a small budget and the little manpower we have," Bowie said. "It takes time." Williams and his neighbors just home they won`t have to wait much longer. If you`re having a similar problem, your first step should be to contact the property owner directly. If that fails, contact your local code enforcement office or city official. If you live in Shreveport, call (318) 673-6200. If you need additional help handling this issue or any other issue dealing with a government agency, business or individual, call our troubleshooter hotline at (318) 629-7113 or email us at Troubleshooters@ktalnews.tv. You can even send you complaint to the station at 3150 N. Market St. Shreveport, LA. 71107.