BlightStat 33

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by Charlie London

If you live next to a blighted building or an overgrown lot in New Orleans your perception of the fight against blight may not be positive.

But, when you consider that the City of New Orleans’ BlightStat program has received acclaim both nationally and internationally, that may mitigate your frustration a bit.

And, when you consider that Chicago and Philadelphia with tax bases and therefore resources exponentially larger than New Orleans have the same problems curbing blight that may help your mood as well. Chicago, Philadelphia and other cities both large and small are looking to the City of New Orleans in the fight against blight. The City of New Orleans’ perspicacity and initiatives have positioned our city as the clear leader in the fight against blight.

However, if your neighborhood is still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina with blighted housing and overgrown lots in abundance, all those accolades are meaningless. You just want the problem to go away.

I’ve been to all 33 BlightStat meetings since November, 2010 and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that the people at the table in these BlightStat meetings are passionate and purposeful in their desire to have New Orleans continue to grow, prosper and be blight-free.

So, what’s the hold up then? Here’s what I have observed:
There does not appear to be any problem getting properties inspected. In fact, the inspectors have all been assigned to specific districts within the city and are even more efficient than before. Inspections are not the problem.

Cases are being adjudicated as fast as they come in but resets and guilty with conditions have slowed the process somewhat. The City is moving toward more straight out guilty judgments which is reasonable considering owners of blighted property have had 7 years to get their act together. The adjudication process is part of the problem because case management has struggled to keep up with the volume of material coming in from inspectors, and older inspections get stale (hence the reinspections).

We have a team of 2 highly competent, motivated and passionate lawyers that are dedicated to finding heirs to dead owners and previous owners that won’t pay taxes or do anything with their property. That takes time. You would be amazed at just how much time that takes. Of those 4 lawyers, Ms. Brenda Breaux is the boss. Ms. Breaux mentioned during the meeting that there are only 2 lawyers working on filing writs for code lien foreclosure process (Mr. Tyler Gray & Mr. Miles Granderson). Ms. Breaux has a bunch of other responsibilities that do not involve actual writs, in addition to managing her team (like working on the constitutionality of the foreclosure process as a whole), and Ms.Tammie Jackson is Deputy Director for case managment.

THERE ARE ONLY 2, yes I said 2 lawyers to do the actual research on thousands of cases.

The goal of these 2 dedicated lawyers is to get 65 cases completely researched and ready for adjudication each month. I dare say a highly staffed private firm would have trouble doing the same considering the amount of research and fact checking that is required to produce a writ.

So, what’s the answer you ask? You, my friend are the answer. If you can help enter information or are a paralegal that can volunteer a few hours each week your service would go a long way toward moving our city forward. At 65 cases each month, we’ll all be dead and gone before the thousands of properties that need it get adjudicated.

So, what’s it going to be? Are you going to be that bitter resident that sits around and grumbles that nothing is happening with blight in your neighborhood? Or, are you going to be that person that gets off the sofa and does something about it? I suggest the latter option will make you a much happier citizen.

“But, that’s what I pay taxes for”, you say. That’s right. But, the problem is we have a city built for 600,000 people but only have a population of 343,000. Of that 343,000 only a comparatively small percentage pay property taxes. That is the real problem. There just isn’t enough money to make the things you want to happen… happen. I strongly urge you to consider helping the city help you. Call the city’s law department at 658-9800 to find out how you can help the city help you.

This was the 33rd BlightStat meeting to which the public was invited.

It is clear that enforcement of laws related to blighted properties will be more aggressive in 2012. The Mayor’s directive to have 10,000 blighted properties eradicated in three years remains on track.

BlightStat 34 will be held on May 10, 2012. The meetings are on the 8th floor of City Hall in the Homeland Security Conference Room.

Below are notes from the April 12, 2011 BlightStat meeting:

Ms. Pura Bascos and Ms. Kristin Illarmo both noted that the city is allowing fewer conditional guilty judgements at the blight adjudication hearings. This is a clear message to blighted property owners that the city has given them plenty of time to get their act together. After 7 years, the city like its residents, is tired of the excuses. Fix your property or sell your property. Don’t like those options? Then the city will take action to protect their interests.

Ms. Illarmo noted that during the recent adjudication hearings:
5% were reset for no inspection.
25% were reset for work-in-progress.
22% of the blighted property owners made their property compliant.
These results are similar to previous reports and indicate steady progress.

Mr. Andy Kopplin noted that the city is taking a tougher stance as we get further from the Katrina event.

Mr. Oliver Wise noted that the reports were grouped by initial inspection. He then reviewed the “Status of Properties” slide. He also noted that there appears to be a significant lag between the time the properties are first inspected and when the property goes to adjudication.

Mr. Wise also mentioned that the trend appears to be that 20% of the blighted property owners will bring their properties into compliance rather than face adjudication.

Ms. Bascos indicated that many properties make it through the NCDC (city) but the demolitions are then denied by SHPO (state). Ms. Bascos indicated that SHPO denials are a barrier to progress.

Ms. Hillarie Carrere said that SHPO has jurisdiction over all properties in New Orleans not just those in historic districts.

Ms. Bascos said that 30 FEMA demolitions took place last month. Inspectors were assigned to specific districts several months ago and that process seems to be helping make the department more efficient.

Mr. Kopplin noted that FEMA had a banner month with demolitions.

6840 Cindy place was noted as a major demolition case as it has multiple units. Mr. Will McGowan said that 33 units were brought into compliance last month. 30 more units had to be demolished (69 units total) and 15 structures were salvaged.

Mr. Keith Ferrouillet with the Interim Nuisance Abatement Program (INAP) said 26 properties were cut and 6 more were in compliance. A new contract with INAP will be in effect soon just in time for the summer growing season.

Mr. Miles Granderson said 50 of the 65 files reviewed were accepted for foreclosure.

Mr. Jeff Hebert noted that previously, properties with buildings on them were a priority. Now vacant lots will be an action item.

Mr. Wise inquired as to why there were so many more files accepted for foreclosure this month. Mr. Granderson replied that these cases were all better cases from 2011 and that more effort is being put into the pre-filing stage.

The Law Department appears to be efficient and diligent in their fight against blight. But, with only 2 lawyers to get cases ready for blight court, the situation could be compared to 2 knights swinging swords at the bottom of a well. They may eventually get to the top but it’s going to take a long long time.

Ms. Tammy Jackson said that information from data.nola.gov is slow to get to civilsheriff.com

Ms. Breaux mentioned that there are only 2 lawyers working on filing writs for code lien foreclosure process (Mr. Tyler Gray & Mr. Miles Granderson).The New Orleans Bar Association has been contacted for lawyers willing to perform pro bono work. Big law firms have been contacted to see if they would be willing to provide a paralegal to help. The Board of Ethics approved the city’s request to ask the public for help. Ms. Brenda Breaux plainly stated that the 2 lawyers working on research are simply overloaded with cases to work on.

Mr. David Lessinger with NORA indicated that a steady consistent stream of information is the goal.

Mr. Jeff Hebert, Director of NORA, indicated that “noticing” issues are the biggest problem nationwide. “Noticing” means notifying the owners or heir of owners that the city is about to take action on their property.

Mr. Wise noted that when the lawyers refer to the “mennonite case” they are referring to Mennonite Board of Missions vs. Adams. A summary of that case is below:
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Summary of Mennonite Board of Missions v. Adams,
462 U.S. 791 (1983).
Facts

Alfred Jean Moore had executed a mortgage in favor of the Mennonite Board of Missions (P) to secure an obligation. Moore had purchased land from the Mennonite Board of Missions and was responsible for paying taxes. The Board was not aware that Moore had failed to pay taxes. The county moved to sell the property for lack of tax payment.

The county provided proper service according to state law. Notice was posted in the courthouse, the state published an announcement, and sent Moore a certified letter. The Board was not otherwise informed of the county’s efforts to sell the property. The land was later sold to Adams (D). Neither Moore nor the Board attended the sale. Moore continued to pay her obligation to the Board which remained unaware that the land had been sold.
Procedural History

Adams filed for quiet title and summary judgment. The Board contended that it still held title to the land because the tax sale was invalid due to inadequate service of process. The trial court found in favor of Adams and upheld the tax sale statute against the service challenge. Judgment in favor of Adams was affirmed on appeal to the court of appeals and the Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Issue

Is notice by publication and posting sufficient to provide a mortgagee of real property with adequate notice of a proceeding to sell the mortgaged property for nonpayment of taxes?

Holding and Rule (Marshall)

No. A mortgagee whose mortgage would be divested by a tax sale is entitled to personal service of notice of sale by virtue of the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The constitution demands that a party receive notice through mail or other means that will ensure actual notice of a proceeding which will adversely affect the interests of any party, provided it is reasonably possible to ascertain the party’s name and address.

The Supreme Court in Mullane v. Central Hanover Bank & Trust Co. held that due process demands that notice must be reasonably calculated to inform interested parties of the pendency of the action and afford an opportunity to present their objections. A mortgagee has a protected property interest and is entitled to notice that is reasonably calculated to apprise of a pending tax sale.

Unless a mortgagee is not reasonably identifiable constructive notice alone is not sufficient. Constructive notice is primarily designed to attract prospective buyers and is unlikely to reach those who do not make special efforts to seek tax sales. Notice to a the property owner who is not in privity with creditors and who has failed to retain the property cannot be surmised provide actual notice to the mortgagee. The use of less reliable forms of notice is not sufficient when an inexpensive and efficient means such as mail is available.
Disposition

Judgment reversed.
Dissent (O’Connor)

Process needs to be tailored to a given situation and circumstances. With the majority holding in this case, the court has set a low-bar standard for process. Notice by mail or other means to establish certain notice is a now a minimum constitutional requirement for any legally protected property interest.

The majority is rejecting earlier cases in which this Court acknowledged the impossibility of establishing a rigid formula as to the kind of notice that must be given, and that “notice will vary with the circumstances and conditions”. Policy considerations of the state override those of process. Due process does not require that the State save a party from its own lack of care when it has acted unreasonably in failing to protect its interests.
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Mr. Kopplin noted that Chicago and Philadelphia also have significant blight problems. They are much bigger cities but are looking to New Orleans for clues on how to fight blight.

Mr. Lessinger said the city is going to get access to current satellite imagery to better assess properties that may look great from the front but the back of the property is falling down.

Mr. Lessinger noted that homes sold to the Road Home program are transferred to the Louisiana Land Trust and then to the City of New Orleans. There are 5,000 properties with Option 2 or Option 3 in the Road Home program.

Mr. Lessinger further stated that the largest number of properties are disposed of through the lot-next-door program. The Louisiana Land Trust is working with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority to get properties closed out.

Mr. Brian Lawlor (Office of Community Development) said that an announcement will be made soon about the availability of 7 or 8 million dollars for rehabilitation and renewal of rental properties. The soft-second program is very successful. Mr. Lawler said to look for an announcement about the “SUPERNOVA” program soon.

Mr. Kopplin said the overall goal is to get people to do what they are supposed to do.

Mr. Hebert answered my question about Federal Government involvement (other that FEMA). He indicated that the Federal department of Housing and Urban Development has helped fund the blight eradication process and that the Justice Department is here helping because blight contributes to crime.

The meeting adjourned.

You can review reports on all of the previous BlightStat Meetings in the links below:
Blight Sweep in 9th Ward: https://fsjna.org/2010/11/blighted-beginnings/
BLIGHTSTAT ONE: https://fsjna.org/2010/11/bi-weekly-blight-business/
BLIGHTSTAT TWO:https://fsjna.org/2010/11/keeping-our-eyes-on-the-prize/
BLIGHTSTAT THREE: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/what-gets-measured-gets-managed/
BLIGHTSTAT FOUR: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/blight-busting/
2010 Year End Update: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/year-end-update-from-the-landrieu-administration/
BLIGHTSTAT FIVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/01/the-5th-dimension-of-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT SIX: https://fsjna.org/2011/01/a-sixth-sense-for-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT SEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/02/the-7-heavens-of-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT EIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/02/8-by-ya-mommas/
BLIGHTSTAT NINE: https://fsjna.org/2011/03/blightstat-9/
BLIGHTSTAT TEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/03/blightstat-10/
BLIGHTSTAT ELEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/blightstat-11/
BLIGHTSTAT TWELVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/blightstat-12/
Mayor’s State of the City Address: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/one-city-that-shares-one-fate/
BLIGHTSTAT THIRTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/05/blightstat-13/
BLIGHTSTAT FOURTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/05/blightstat-14/
BLIGHTSTAT FIFTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-15/
CITY GETS REPORT CARD: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/city-gets-report-card/
BLIGHTSTAT SIXTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-16/
BLIGHTSTAT SEVENTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-17/
BLIGHTSTAT EIGHTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/07/blightstat-18
BLIGHTSTAT NINETEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/07/blightstat-19/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY: https://fsjna.org/2011/08/blightstat-20/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-ONE: https://fsjna.org/2011/08/blightstat-turns-21/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-TWO: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/blightstat-22/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-THREE: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/blightstat-23/
FIGHT BLIGHT RIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/fight-blight-right/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-FOUR: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/blightstat-24/
CITIZENS PARTICIPATE: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/citizens-participate-in-new-orleans/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-FIVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/blightstat-25/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-SIX: https://fsjna.org/2011/11/blightstat-turns-one
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-SEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/11/27-meetings-about-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-EIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/12/blightstat-28/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-NINE: https://fsjna.org/2011/12/blightstat-moving-to-monthly-meetings/
BLIGHTSTAT THIRTY: https://fsjna.org/2012/01/armageddon-has-arrived-for-blighted-property-owners/
BLIGHTSTAT 31:https://fsjna.org/2012/02/31-flavors-of-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT 32:https://fsjna.org/2012/03/blightstat-32-for-you/

27 Meetings about Blight

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by Charlie London

This was the 27th meeting since the city began inviting the public to attend the BlightStat meetings.

NOTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 17, 2011 BLIGHTSTAT MEETING ARE BELOW:

Mr. Oliver Wise began the meeting with introductions and announcements. Deputy Mayor Kopplin was unable to attend due to a meeting with the State Bond Commission in Baton Rouge. He was there to ask for and received permission to refinance the City’s debt by selling new bonds.

Mr. Hebert began the meeting with an overview of the Blight Strategy begun in August, 2010.

Process Improvements
– consolidated code enforcement – 5 offices to one

Created a data management system to improve outcomes and support strategy development for programs.

Established BlightStat to manage performance of blight strategy.

Prioritized Sheriff’s Sales as the primary tool for disposition of blighted properties.

Developed new programs targeting blighted properties and lots.

Increased collaboration with NORA to focus interventions strategically.

Sheriff sales are making a difference.

43,755 blight properties. 25,662 inspections
15,413 inquiries 5,326 hearings 1,743 lots cleared 687 properties brought in to compliance due to inspections. 3,214 blighted units eradicated in the first year.

Interdepartment collaboration. Revenue collection up 90%. $791,406 fines collected in 2009. $1,346,631 fines collected in 2011.

0 Sheriff sales in 2009 | 68 in 2010 | 1,002 in 2011

Revenue collected from lien foreclosures $648,610 in liens – zero before

154 properties demolished in 2009. 523 properties demolished in 2010. 1,349 properties demolished in 2011.

Clearing nuisance lots – zero in 2009 for lots cut
5 years no lots cut – huge backlog. Lots were cited previously but there was no program to cut lots.

873 cut in 2010 – New program started April, 2010.
During 2011, 359 lots were cut as part of the lot cutting program in the 9th Ward with an additional 917 lots cut throughout the city.

Executable Judgments
1200 executable.

22,000 housing code inspections.
Entire city covered.

Fight the Blight Initiative – 5th one coming up in Dec.

Partnerships – collaborating with neighborhoods and city agencies for greater impact.

Large scale apartment demolitions.

10341 Plainfield – great before and after photo.
Higgins Gate getting cleaned up in Algiers now.
Successful property auctions in Lakeview.

Eradication of 10,000 blighted properties is the goal. 3,214 done with 6,786 to go to meet goal. Even with the ambitious goal of eradicating 10,000 blighted properties within three years, there will be at least 30,000 more properties needing attention. It is a herculean task.

INSPECTIONS
Ms. Basco continued the meeting and noted that inspections continue with 668 done this bi-weekly period. Inspections backlog is increasing slightly due to a focus on hearings.

Mr. Wise commented that Code Enforcement has made remarkable progress since February.

Inspections process is smoother now that inspectors have been assigned districts. There are also people to replace them when someone is out which keeps the process moving.

Mr. Kray inquired about data on inspections by district and inspector. Ms. Basco indicated that would be a great thing to have.

Ms. Illarmo continued the meeting with a discussion of the hearings backlog which has been reduced by 421 cases this bi-weekly period. Ms. Illarmo and “Tammy” continue to work hard to keep cases moving. Ms. Illarmo has put in lots of nights and weekends.

Mr. Wise asked about the time period between inspections and when hearings are scheduled. That time can vary due to several variables. The goal is 30 days.

337 hearings done this bi-weekly period with 413 scheduled for the next two weeks. Highest ever!

20% compliance, 36% guilty judgments, resets down due to increased focus. There were 67% of cases reset in Nov 2010. That has been reduced to 13% this period. BlightStat meetings and community input drove this success.

Mr. Square indicated IBM pushed to have the BlightStat meetings reach a wider audience. He suggested information by neighborhoods be available to make the information more meaningful to individuals.

Ms. Basco indicated that is the goal to have information that is meaningful to individuals.
Mr. Bayas stressed the importance of having meaningful information for neighborhoods.

Quality of Life “STAT” meeting was brought up.
The program is still in development and is not currently open to the public.

Mr. Carrere continued the meeting. He indicated that there were 6 emergency demolitions over the last two weeks. They are working on demolition of a large complex near the high rise bridge on I-10 in New Orleans East. 111 properties in the pipeline but the contractor is current on the properties given to them.

Mr. Lessinger indicated that is why contractors and others are invited to BlightStat meetings to make sure everyone is aware of the importance of blight removal.

Eleven FEMA demolitions were done over the past two weeks. 101 properties salvaged to date.

INAP – Keith Ferrouillet said 20 lots were cut and 4 complied after warning.

Mr. Lessinger said there is a pilot program in the 9th Ward for cutting lots due to the large number of properties needing attention in that area. Mr. Hebert indicated that http://data.nola.gov has a map of lots being cut. Neighbors, ex-offenders, and re-entry folks are cutting the lots.

Mr. Hebert indicated his frustration with dumping. After lots are cleared of tall grass and debris, more dumping occurs.

Only 5 FEMA trailers still remain. They should be gone soon.

Ms. C.S. Lear indicated that the Sanitation Department has been working more in the 9th Ward.
Dumping continues to be a major problem. Inspecting tire shops for proper documentation continues to be the focus.

Tire dumping is a nation-wide problem. The Sanitation Department is getting info from many state and federal sources that indicated tires are a problem everywhere. A unique stamp for each tire shop is a possible solution.

Mr. Gray discussed the legal issues concerning properties going up at the Sheriff sales. He discussed the results and problems associated with Sheriff sales.

Sheriff Sales will take place December 6th and 15th then again January 10th, 19th and 26th and February 2nd, 2012.

Mr. Lessinger is going to receive a list of properties from Mr. Kray on all the properties that did not sell with a copy to Mr. Hebert.

Ms. Breaux indicated some of the owners are waiting for grant money from the state. The law department has met with several owners to stress the importance of repairing properties.

Mr. Bayas indicated that the PRC had a great training program for the Sheriff sales. The City is looking into a similar program.

Ms. Wilkerson indicated that many people bid on properties based on the community they are in. She suggested selling properties strategically by area.

Mr. Gray indicated over a million dollars has been collected so far this year due to the lien foreclosure process. Code Lien Foreclosures are listed at http://data.nola.gov

Ms. Wilkerson indicated 13 NORA/LLT closings happened. Rehab financing is sparce with no program to help people to rehabilitate homes.

There will be an auction in January for LLT/NORA properties. Hundreds of properties will be available.

Mr. Square said the City won a grant from Code for America. The City does not have a good way to retrieve batch information from individuals and neighborhoods. The grant will bring in smart folks (programmers) who can help resolve this problem.

The Code for America program will focus on solving tech problems for the City. Work should commence in January, 2012. More about Code for America at
http://codeforamerica.org/

Mr. Hebert indicated that city funds are limited so grants are a focus. The City of New Orleans beat out 20 other cities for the Code for America grant.

Mr. Square indicated IBM’s Smarter Cities report will be coming out soon with a set of recommendations that the City will have to figure out how to fund.

The Green Project has a contract to remove architectural details and other salvageable items from properties before they are demolished.

An “alternatives to demolition” meeting was held with all consulting parties for FEMA demolitions.

Mr. Square indicated a new computer system is a priority and is currently being reviewed. The new system should be up and running by October, 2012.

Questions from the audience were answered and the meeting adjourned.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CITY’s
November 17, 2011 BlightStat Presentation

At the first BlightStat meeting, Mayor Landrieu spoke about the hearing process noting that, “Continuances should be the exception rather than the rule.”

There’s been much progress toward that end over the last year. New hearing officers have been hired, case managers have been assigned, and the case review process has been streamlined. All in an effort to get properties adjudicated and if necessary, moved to Sheriff’s sale. Read more about that first BlightStat meeting in the link below:
https://fsjna.org/2010/11/bi-weekly-blight-business/

You can review my reports on all of the previous BlightStat Meetings in the links below:
Blight Sweep in 9th Ward: https://fsjna.org/2010/11/blighted-beginnings/
BLIGHTSTAT ONE: https://fsjna.org/2010/11/bi-weekly-blight-business/
BLIGHTSTAT TWO:https://fsjna.org/2010/11/keeping-our-eyes-on-the-prize/
BLIGHTSTAT THREE: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/what-gets-measured-gets-managed/
BLIGHTSTAT FOUR: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/blight-busting/
2010 Year End Update: https://fsjna.org/2010/12/year-end-update-from-the-landrieu-administration/
BLIGHTSTAT FIVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/01/the-5th-dimension-of-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT SIX: https://fsjna.org/2011/01/a-sixth-sense-for-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT SEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/02/the-7-heavens-of-blight/
BLIGHTSTAT EIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/02/8-by-ya-mommas/
BLIGHTSTAT NINE: https://fsjna.org/2011/03/blightstat-9/
BLIGHTSTAT TEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/03/blightstat-10/
BLIGHTSTAT ELEVEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/blightstat-11/
BLIGHTSTAT TWELVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/blightstat-12/
Mayor’s State of the City Address: https://fsjna.org/2011/04/one-city-that-shares-one-fate/
BLIGHTSTAT THIRTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/05/blightstat-13/
BLIGHTSTAT FOURTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/05/blightstat-14/
BLIGHTSTAT FIFTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-15/
CITY GETS REPORT CARD: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/city-gets-report-card/
BLIGHTSTAT SIXTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-16/
BLIGHTSTAT SEVENTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/06/blightstat-17/
BLIGHTSTAT EIGHTEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/07/blightstat-18
BLIGHTSTAT NINETEEN: https://fsjna.org/2011/07/blightstat-19/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY: https://fsjna.org/2011/08/blightstat-20/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-ONE: https://fsjna.org/2011/08/blightstat-turns-21/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-TWO: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/blightstat-22/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-THREE: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/blightstat-23/
FIGHT BLIGHT RIGHT: https://fsjna.org/2011/09/fight-blight-right/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-FOUR: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/blightstat-24/
CITIZENS PARTICIPATE: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/citizens-participate-in-new-orleans/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-FIVE: https://fsjna.org/2011/10/blightstat-25/
BLIGHTSTAT TWENTY-SIX: https://fsjna.org/2011/11/blightstat-turns-one

BlightStat 22

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by Charlie London

It’s Your Right to Fight Blight


This was the 22nd BlightStat meeting to which the public was invited to attend.

The City continues to march toward its goal of eradicating 10,000 blighted properties within three years. City departments that can help with this process meet every two weeks for a “BlightStat” meeting.

Goals have been set for each department and a presentation is made at each meeting to show how each department is doing toward meeting those goals.

CLICK HERE to view a PDF of the City’s BlightStat Presentation

BottomLineStat was announced as a new Landrieu administration initiative and is designed to “ensure that departments are held accountable for cutting unnecessary expenses and staying on budget.” It said city departments have been ordered to eliminate unnecessary services, reorganize their operations to make them more efficient, and invest in programs that yield long-term value.

ReqtoCheckStat was also announced and is described as an effort to improve the performance and speed of the city’s contracting system. Mr. Wise indicated the Office of Performance and Accountability has designed a program to review the entire process of contracting out services such as picking up trash, paving streets and rebuilding libraries.

Mr. Kopplin described ReqToCheck as the process of requisition to check for vendors. He indicated the initiative is aimed at a contract or procurement that is stalled. He believes ReqToCheckStat should save the city money as vendors get paid faster and therefore bid lower because the cost of delayed payments won’t be factored into bids.

Data.Nola.Gov was mentioned as a new data sharing platform and that
Seattle uses same platform. Mr. Square said the Department of Information Technology and Innovation “soft-launched” data.nola.gov, a new online program to provide “high-value, frequently requested data” to the public but presently is is mainly for GIS users. City performance data will eventually be put on this website. Eventually people will be able to make their own GEOCODE maps. Raw data right now.

Mr Hebert announced the National Vacant Properties Conference will be held in New Orleans next summer. People can find out more at Communityprogress.net

Mr. Andy Koppel – Inspections down but goal for the year has been met. Emphasis is on hearings. Inspection staff is being used for data entry and title research to help hearings move faster.
JPHebert – targets to be re-adjusted next year.

Ms. Bosco with Code Enforcement indicated that while inspections are down, inspectors are being assigned duties to move the hearings process along faster.

Mr. Square discussed the complaint that much data for inspections is done manually because Accela can’t do automatic reports.

Mr. Hebert – asked the audience if there are any areas that have not been covered. The completed inspections map indicates the entire city is being covered.

Ms. Kristin Illarmo noted that the number of hearings has improved in part due to the increased speed of Accela. Ms. Illarmo said research on the next cases will be the priority over the next few weeks so the number of hearing will go down. Only a few cases have been set for the first week of October so that research can be done on the next 1,700 cases.

Mr. Hebert strongly advised that all of the cases need to be adjudicated and suggested bar association volunteers to help out. Looking for long term internships as well so that the backlog goes away. Asked Brenda Breaux to meet with Mr. Hebert and Ms. Illarmo tomorrow to find ways to move the process along.

Ms. Illarmo noted that guilty cases are up but compliance is down a bit. She also noted that some hearing officers are levying lighter fines on buildings that will be demolished by FEMA. But, the owners did not know FEMA was going to return to do demolitions so the owners should have been fully fined. Other owners have stepped up and fixed their properties.

Code Enforcement liens were discussed. An analysis was done on fines collected. Mr. Wise indicated there is a relatively high collection rate.

Ms. Illarmo indicated the present backlog report is not really useful as it does not reflect the volume of work being done.

Mr. Hebert asked about the magnitude of unrepresented work.
Ms. Illarmo responded that Accela is the problem.
Mr. Wise asked Justin for an overview of how the report is calculated.
A discussion ensued between Justin and Ms. Illarmo about the backlog definitions for the report.

Mr. Hebert suggested that the report be eliminated until the problems are worked out.
Mr. Wise suggested more help from Accela is needed.
Mr. Square indicated the Accela team was here recently but Ms. Illarmo countered that the Accela team could not even help with basic functionality issues.

Mr. Wise asked the IT team for more information about the problem indicating that the Mayor has made it clear that the backlog will be eliminated by the end of the year.

Ms. Square indicated they will do the best they can with the resources available.

Mr. Wise indicated that the prudent course may be to find out what Accela can do and asked for a report on that for the next BlightStat meeting.

Ms. Bosco indicated additional demolition sites have been identified and are currently going through the utility cutoff process. She indicated that demolitions should increase over time.

Mr. Hebert indicated 86 strategic demolitions have gone through the process but materials are being salvage when possible.

Mr. Russell Callahan indicated more case files are needed and that he, his staff and Ms. Illarmo are working toward that end. Mr. Kopplin and Ms. Breaux discussed file management issues.

Mr. Carrere indicated that the contractor is working diligently to eliminate buildings in danger of collapse.

Mr. Kopplin reviewed the strategic demolition process slide.
Mr. Wolcott reviewed the FEMA demolition process slide. He said that the process is moving along better now and there have been 61 guilty judgements. FEMA has begun the selective salvage process.
Mr. Hebert indicated the selective salvage process is a separate project worksheet.

Mr. Wolcott indicated three crews are out working this week which has not happened before.

Mr. Wise reviewed the demolitions map which indicates that demolitions are being done throughout the city.

Mr. Paul May indicated 12 FEMA trailers are left. All 12 have a judgement against them and the City is waiting for FEMA to remove them. Most of the remaining FEMA trailers are in Council Districts D and E. Mr. Wise indicated that housing options are available for the remaining 12 FEMA trailer occupants.

Ms. Sylvain-Lear discussed illegal dumping. The Sanitation Department is continuing to focus on removing bandit signs, tires dumped, and tire stores without manifests. Mr. Kopplin congratulated the Sanitation Department on their great work.

Ms. Breaux indicated that the Law Department is strongly enforcing the sign issues. Ms. Sylvain-Lear indicated she is receiving reports of wheel barrow loads of cement and other materials being dumped into storm drains. Ms. Lear asked for help from the public on identifying these situations.

Mr. Hebert indicated that serious legal action will be taken soon against commercial properties that ignore the law.

Mr. Granderson noted that there are upcoming Lien Foreclosure auctions coming up in October and November. He indicated that checks for curators are slow to arrive. Mr. Kopplin indicated that is a “jump on my table” issue and that checks can be cut immediately if necessary.

Ms. Breaux indicated that Miles and Tyler are working diligently and that the issue of slow checks is being addressed and that there is an emphasis on getting problem properties to Sheriff Sale. Mr. Gray (Tyler) indicated that once a property goes to Sheriff Sale that the phone rings off the hook of people wanting to pay off blight liens.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that the 2012 city budget is being reduced by three million dollars.

Mr. Kopplin indicated that there about 1,000 properties with writs. 167 have been sold or the fines paid. He indicated it is important to get the properties to Sheriff Sale because many of the property owners only pay their fines when it goes to Sherrif Sale.

Ms. Joyce Wilkerson reviewed the total NORA closings. 46 closings were done this bi-weekly period which is above the goal of 35. Sale this Saturday at UNO by Gilmore Auctions. No reserve for this sale. Everyone is invited to attend. Another auction will take place in October.

Audience questions were answered and the meeting adjourned.
***

BLIGHTSTAT MEETING (every 2 weeks)
WHO: Key blight policy and code enforcement staff

WHEN: Thursday, September 22, 2011
8:00-9:30 AM CST

WHERE: 1340 Poydras Street
9TH Floor—City Planning Conference Room
New Orleans, LA 70117

BlightStat Meetings
Nov 4, 2010 | Nov 18, 2010 | Dec 2, 2010 | Dec 16, 2010
| Jan 13, 2011 | Jan 27, 2011 | Feb 10, 2011 | Feb 24, 2011 |
Mar 10, 2011 | March 29, 2011 | April 7, 2011 | April 21, 2011 | May 5, 2011 | May 19, 2011| | June 2, 2011 | June 16, 2011 | June 30, 2011 | July 14, 2011 | July 28, 2011 | August 11, 2011 | August 25, 2011 | September 8, 2011 |

BlightStat 20

by

by Charlie London

This was the twentieth BlightStat meeting to which the public was invited to attend.

The City continues to march toward its goal of eradicating 10,000 blighted properties within three years. City departments that can help with this process meet every two weeks for a “BlightStat” meeting.

Goals have been set for each department and a presentation is made at each meeting to show how each department is doing toward meeting those goals.

Click here for a PDF of the City’s
August 11, 2011 BlightStat presentation.

BELOW ARE NOTES FROM THE
August 11th BLIGHTSTAT MEETING


The City’s Law Department is considering the use of interns for title research. The interns would be trained on Accela as part of their service. C.S. Lear asked that the Department of Sanitation be included on any Accela training.

Ms. Illarmo asked for an “in house” Accela person. Mr. Square indicated that is currently happening.

Ms. Illarmo indicated that there is an uptick in scheduled hearings but the total hearings completed remains far below the hearings target of 450 hearings every two weeks. One hundred hearings were completed over the last two weeks.

Of the cases completed there is a larger percentage of cases found guilty and a larger percentage of properties coming into compliance due to the threat of fines. Undesirable resets are down.
Ms. Illarmo stated that the hearings backlog should go down significantly once the data from the research days is entered into the system.

Mr. Carrere indicated that utility disconnects have been coordinated and demolitions continue to progress. Ms. Wilkerson discussed LLT demolitions. She indicated that funding is an issue but resources are being investigated to find funding to continue the mission of the LLT.

Mr. Carrere said his department is investigating previous applications for demolition denied by SHPO.

Mr. Wolcott discussed the FEMA demolition process and progress. A flow chart was presented and Mr. Wolcott indicated that inspections, abatement, and demolitions are all going on at the same time. His goal is to have at least one crew demolishing a house 6 days each week without stopping.

Mr. Hebert indicated that the Federal Government has forced the City to operate within their guidelines for demolitions. This slows the process.

Mr. Keith Ferrouillet discussed the Interim Nuisance Abatement Program. He indicated that the many rain days prevented a lot of the grass from being cut.

Twenty-nine FEMA trailers remain. All of the trailers should have been removed by now.

Ms. Lear discussed illegal dumping. She indicated that additional resources have been found which will help the work of the Sanitation Ranger continue. Tires removed are down but that is a function of how many get illegally dumped. Enforcement continues.
The City Attorneys are working in conjunction with the Sanitation Department to prosecute illegal dumpers.

Mr. Granderson said the number of files reviewed for Sherrif sale remains constant. The emphasis is on the quality of the case file. Mr. Tyler Gray indicated that the law department has reviewed 2,000 files. Mr. Wolcott indicated that the Law Department has been very efficient and a pleasure to work with.

Properties in Mid-City, N.O. East, and the 9th Ward will all be going into a Sherrif’s sale in September. Click HERE for more information.

Mr. Wesley Bayas indicated the auction training program done by the PRC went really well. This should eliminate a lot of confusion for buyers. Mr. Hebert indicated that Ms. Breaux and Mr. Gray went to the PRC seminar. Mr. Gray indicated that they answered some questions about blight. Ms. Breaux indicated that the seminar was extremely well attended and went well. Mr. Brad Vogel indicated that 120 people attended and was grateful for the participation of the law department.

Mr. Granderson indicated you will always see properties drop off the sale list as people pay fines to keep their property from being sold. A large amount dropped off this bi-weekly period. Total amount collected so far this year for lien foreclosures is $449,866.

Ms. Wilkerson continued the meeting with a discussion of NORA sales. She indicated there are around 900 properties working toward the closing process. More of the NSP2 properties are going to closing. About 60 of the 90 auction properties will close.

Properties bought at auction have to have the blight remediated within 90 days with substantial renovation happening within 360 days.
Ms. Wilkerson indicated that more information is needed for auction buyers such as if the property needs to be elevated etc.

Mr. Hebert asked Mr. Vogel about this and Mr. Vogel indicated that the City is often telling people that houses need to be elevated when they don’t have to be elevated.

The NORA inventory backlog remains high at 3,710. Public auction at UNO on September 10th. Thirty of those properties will be from Lakeview.

Mr. Wise discussed the Blight Performance slide and indicated that the team was doing “pretty good”. Questions from the audience were read and answered. Meeting adjourned.
***

BLIGHTSTAT MEETING (every 2 weeks)
WHO: Key blight policy and code enforcement staff

WHEN: Thursday, August 25, 2011
8:00-9:30 AM CST

WHERE: 1340 Poydras Street
9TH Floor—City Planning Conference Room
New Orleans, LA 70117

BlightStat Meetings
Nov 4, 2010 | Nov 18, 2010 | Dec 2, 2010 | Dec 16, 2010
| Jan 13, 2011 | Jan 27, 2011 | Feb 10, 2011 | Feb 24, 2011 |
Mar 10, 2011 | March 29, 2011 | April 7, 2011 | April 21, 2011 | May 5, 2011 | May 19, 2011| | June 2, 2011 | June 16, 2011 | June 30, 2011 | July 14, 2011 | July 28, 2011 | August 11, 2011