News Summary
Caddo Parish Commissioner John-Paul Young is pushing for stronger enforcement against property owners amid a squatting crisis in Shreveport’s Highland neighborhood. The recent changes in building standards have empowered police to act more decisively against squatters. While the city aims to address safety hazards from abandoned homes, Young criticizes the focus on homeless individuals rather than holding negligent property owners accountable. His efforts include a legal suit to redefine enforcement policies and increased penalties for landowners neglecting their properties.
Shreveport Tackles Squatter Crisis with Stricter Enforcement Measures
Shreveport, LA – Caddo Parish Commissioner John-Paul Young is advocating for stronger enforcement measures against property owners in response to the growing squatter crisis in the city. Young’s comments came during a recent commission meeting, where he raised concerns about the rise of squatters, particularly in Shreveport’s Highland neighborhood, and the associated dangers such as recent fires in vacant homes.
The city has already implemented changes to building standards aimed at making it easier for authorities to remove squatters, with recent amendments allowing police to arrest individuals residing in structures without adequate walls, roofing, or running water. This comes as part of an initiative dubbed “Operation A.S.K. B.L.U.E” (Addressing Squatters Knowledgeably – Bold Legal Unified Efforts), which has seen law enforcement conduct raids leading to the arrest of five people living in unsafe conditions.
Previously, police required complaints from property owners before acting against squatters, a system criticized as ineffective. The new ordinance has given law enforcement the necessary tools to deal with this issue more effectively. Mayor Tom Arceneaux has expressed satisfaction with these changes, noting they enhance police capabilities in managing incidents of squatting and related risks.
John-Paul Young, however, has voiced his frustration with the current approach, claiming it primarily targets homeless individuals rather than addressing the root of the issue: property owners of dilapidated buildings. He has called for increased penalties for landowners who neglect their properties, arguing that they should take responsibility for the state of their buildings. Young believes that focusing penalties on local property owners would provide a more effective solution than pursuing out-of-state landlords, who may avoid accountability.
Background on the Squatter Situation
Shreveport has witnessed a surge in squatting, especially in the Highland neighborhood, prompting residents’ frustrations to grow. The issues surrounding vacant properties are compounded by rising instances of fire damage, which have raised safety concerns. In recent months, a house on the corner of Herndon Street and Creswell Avenue, among others, was severely damaged by fire, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
The city has sought legal action against Amar Shreveport Holdings LLC, known for owning multiple derelict properties, but faced setbacks in court. A recent ruling stated that only the LLC itself, and not its owner, could be held liable for maintaining these blighted conditions. Young emphasized the necessity of pursuing local individuals responsible for property neglect, as they are less likely to evade citations compared to absentee landlords.
Addressing Legal Challenges
To strengthen enforcement, Young has taken further legal measures by filing a declaratory judgment suit, challenging the interpretation of local squatter laws. He asserts that the Shreveport Police Department’s policy requiring prior owner notification before making arrests is overly lenient towards trespassers. This legal maneuver seeks to clarify whether police can act against suspected squatters without needing a property owner to lodge a complaint.
The maximum penalty outlined in city code for maintaining a blighted property is 30 days in jail and/or a fine of $500, with each day of neglect considered a separate offense. Mayor Arceneaux has preferred to resolve these cases through Environmental Court rather than through criminal prosecution, citing the need for extensive witness testimony and resources that may not be readily available during criminal cases.
City officials continue to conduct joint initiatives aimed at reducing squatting, with law enforcement actively patrolling neighborhoods and responding to public complaints about vacant properties. Despite the city’s ongoing efforts, Young has described the situation in his neighborhood as one of “anarchy,” calling for decisive action to regain control and address the underlying issues surrounding blighted properties in Shreveport.
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Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
