06:07 PM CDT on Friday, June 16, 2006

WWL-TV

No money.  Questionable levees.  Another hurricane season.  The list of obstacles facing the people of South Louisiana seems to grow every day.  But there is a problem keeping many neighborhoods from becoming whole again: abandoned homes. 

Even with the bureaucratic quagmire that has kept recovery funds at arms length, the majority of citizens, in many instances with limited resources, have defied the odds and made strides towards repairing their houses. 

Earlier this week WWL-TV spoke with New Orleans officials who estimated nearly 10,000 homes have remained untouched since the first days of Katrina. 

This is unfair.  Unfair to the neighbors of the abandoned homes who, along with their own repairs, have to worry about overgrown lots and festering houses.  These abandoned homes are dangerous.  Not only from the threat of increased mold pollution, but also the fire hazard. 

Mow your lawn, board your house.  If not, make plans for someone else to.  City officials must also become involved in this process by enforcing the August 28^th repairs deadline and strictly monitoring any possible code violations. 

We understand that not everyone is able to begin repairs, but as a homeowner, and a citizen of New Orleans, you do have a responsibility to tend to your property.  By making it easier for your neighbors to live in your rebuilding community, you make it easier to save our city.