Money is tight for local governments but efforts to address blighted properties around the community are critical, for nearby residents that have to contend with a neighboring property that is in horrible condition and for the entire community that seeks to entice new residents and new businesses.

The issue of blighted properties came up at the Iberia Parish Council’s Finance Committee this week where it discussed how the parish had little money beyond employee salaries to provide for actual services related to addressing blighted properties. It’s not just an Iberia Parish issue. The City of New Iberia has many blighted properties as do other communities around the Teche Area. Who hasn’t seen obviously vacant houses in significant disrepair with overgrown grass, often with litter and other debris?

I recently drove past a former residence of my family’s and was saddened and shocked to see grass that looked ready to put into bales, overgrown bushes, peeling paint and other signs of disrepair. It was sad to see our old home looking abandoned and uncared, for but far worse would be issues for the neighbors that had to live next door or nearby this horrible looking property.

Even if it didn’t attract drug users, squatters or vandals, it was sure to attract rats, mice and other pests that would likely cause problems for others in the area.A major theme heard from candidates for New Iberia city council and mayor this fall has been the need to grow New Iberia and the parish by marketing the city to prospective residents and new businesses. But when prospective residents or those who are considering investing in the community by locating a business here see blighted properties, you can be sure it doesn’t help sell our community.

The problem of addressing blighted properties is significant and needs to be a priority for local governments.

Coincidentally in Monday’s paper next to a portion of the story about the council committee meeting and the blighted properties, was a public notice published by the parish calling attention to area property owners who had overgrown weeds or grass or who had buildings or junk that needed to be removed or “other nuisances.” There were nine properties listed that needed to have their problems addressed or the owners will face legal action from the parish.

Good for the parish to get after these nine.

Unfortunately as the parish council’s legal advisor pointed out at this week’s meeting, too many of these blighted properties involve, “… people who don’t really care.” Sure, property owners have their rights but when their inaction negatively affects their neighbors, the neighborhood and the greater community, it’s appropriate for government to step in and take action.

Money is tight but the need to aggressively clean up blighted properties in this area is important and should be not only continued, but emphasized.

WILL CHAPMAN 

PUBLISHER