Massive Displacement in Shreveport: Thousands of Apartments Lose Utilities
Shreveport, LA – In an unprecedented development in the city of Shreveport, thousands of apartments are slated to have their utilities cut off due to unpaid bills by landlords. According to official reports, almost 13,000 apartment units are affected, leaving residents displaced. Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor, the chair of Shreveport City Council’s Property Standards Committee, is at the helm of the situation, struggling to ensure relocation for these unfortunate families.
Laced With Property Standards Violations
Approximately 12 buildings spanning across three different apartment complexes are earmarked for demolition, an action necessitated by the failure of the landlords to pay their utility bills amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. During a property standards committee meeting, city officials were shocked to learn that not all property owners held valid certificates of occupancy, and routine inspections were a rarity.
Reformation in the Pipeline
Taylor is calling for immediate reforms within Shreveport Property Standards, Public Works, Fire Prevention, and the Metropolitan Planning Commission. This includes streamlining the certification of occupancy process and ensuring all property owners obtain a certificate of occupancy and submit to regular inspections. She believes this stringent overhaul will ensure renters are living in safe, compliant accommodations adhering to occupancy certificates.
Referring to the errant landlords, Taylor expressed her disdain, stating, “I don’t want them to do business in Shreveport, I don’t want them to do business anywhere in Louisiana because you’re not a good businessperson. We look for community partners.” Gates of criticism have been opened wide against these landlords who have allowed Shreveport citizens to live in substandard conditions without paying their due share of utilities, displacing hundreds of innocent families.
Demolition While Facing Housing Shortage
Shreveport is currently facing a critical housing shortage. With the cost of demolition standing at $450,000, there is the dire necessity to rebuild and remediate the situation given the worsening housing crisis. Terrence Green, the city’s director of property standards, acknowledged the issue at hand, calling upon all parties to put ego aside and collaborate in solving the problem.
Action and Hope
While disastrous, this displacement has sparked conversations around problem rentals, absentee landlords, and potential reforms. Despite the current hardship faced by numerous Shreveport citizens, this incident exposes the urgency for better living conditions, fair treatment of renters, and accountability of landlords. With collaborative effort and robust reforms, it is hoped this situation will serve as a critical turning point for housing in Shreveport.