Harahan council orders immediate demolition of fire-damaged house on 7th Street

The Harahan City Council on Feb. 26 ordered the condemnation and immediate demolition of a privately owned house at the corner of 7th and Ashon after local building and fire officials and a consulting engineer concluded the structure is unsafe following a Feb. 1 fire.

Council members reviewed reports and photographs attached to staff materials and heard that the building official and the fire department found the house dangerous. An engineer’s letter from Hunter Lynfield and Junius was included in the packet. Staff cited an estimate from Pipe Works for demolition services, including sewer capping and permitting, of about $9,800. Under the motion, the city will proceed with emergency demolition and place a lien on the parcel to recover demolition costs.

Council members discussed the family’s lack of insurance and expressed sympathy while stressing the city’s duty to address an imminent public-safety hazard. The motion to condemn and demolish carried by unanimous voice vote (five ayes, zero nays).