NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today began the demolition of the abandoned property located at 3010 Sandra Dr. Remediation at this site will include the demolition of 17 buildings in total.  

Located in Algiers, the property has been abandoned for 14 years and was announced as part of Mayor LaToya Cantrell's Dirty Dozen initiative, listing the city's most notable blighted properties. Previously known as the DeGaulle Manor apartments, the ownership was found guilty of 15 violations, including deteriorating condition of sidewalks, driveways, exterior walls, porches, doors, windows and roof, as well as trash and debris, rodents and graffiti. As a result, the ownership was fined $7,000.

“We have a lot of people to thank for getting us to this point today," said Director of Code Enforcement Anthony Davis. "First, I want to thank Mayor Cantrell, as well as the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of OBES Tom Mulligan, City Attorney Donesia Turner and the entire City Council for their collective commitment to reducing blight across the city. We know this area has been in constant decay and has been a hot spot for crime. Now, we are beginning the process of making this property safe and ready for redevelopment.” 

Since the Dirty Dozen list was officially unveiled in November 2023, the demolition of 1031 N. Claiborne has been completed, and the property at 5501 Bundy Rd. has been remediated by removing overgrown vegetation, abandoned vehicles and over 13,000 junk tires. Additionally, two properties located at 2119 Washington Ave. and 10151 Curran Blvd. have been actively working to address compliance challenges. The status of the remaining seven properties are as follows:

• 1001 Howard Ave. (Plaza Tower) - In discussion with the Office of Economic Development
• 6700 Plaza Dr. - Status Conference to be filed by Friday, May 24
• 301 Norman C. Francis Pkwy. (Lindy Boggs) - Working with owners on redevelopment opportunities
• 1108 Canal St. (State Palace Theatre) - Scheduled Administrative Hearing on June 27
• 1630 Canal St. (Canal St. Hotel): Pending another Administrative Hearing scheduling
• 2025 Canal St. (Vacant Office Building) - Pending Administrative Hearing scheduling
• 3101 Rue Parc Fontaine - In discussion with a potential new buyer 

“The demolition of DeGaulle Manor, previously listed on the ‘Dirty Dozen’ list, marks a significant step forward in improving the quality of life for our residents,” said District C Councilmember Freddie King, III. “I extend my deepest gratitude to Mayor Cantrell, Code Enforcement Director Anthony Davis, the City Attorney’s Office and my fellow Councilmembers on the New Orleans City Council for their unwavering efforts and collaboration in this endeavor. Their dedication has ensured the removal of a long-standing blight, paving the way for future development and community revitalization. This is a pivotal moment for District C, demonstrating our commitment to fostering safer and healthier neighborhoods. We will not quit, we will not quit, we will not quit on removing blight." 

Code Enforcement is working in collaboration with the City Attorney’s office, Municipal and Traffic courts and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) to utilize the recently amended Criminal Blight Statute. Owners of criminally blighted properties have been referred to the NOPD, and efforts have begun to serve defendants to appear in Municipal Court due to the condition of their properties.   

As demolition activities proceed at the 3010 Sandra Dr. site, residents are encouraged to avoid this area if possible and use caution if driving or walking nearby. Demolition is anticipated to be completed no later than June 14.

This year, the Department of Code Enforcement has completed 40 demolitions, abated 324 overgrown lots and collected $700,000 in fines and fees.

The full press conference can be viewed on the City’s YouTube channel. 

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