The State of Emergency Declared at Linwood Homes Apartments in Shreveport
Following the concerning property conditions at Linwood Homes apartments, Mayor Tom Arceneaux has declared a State of Emergency effective from 1 p.m. on Thursday until July 26, unless extended. According to a news release from the Mayor’s Office, the declaration was necessary due to the hazardous situation at the complex. Squatters, scavengers, and vandals have already begun to occupy and damage the property.
Several reasons led to the Declaration of Emergency by Mayor Arceneaux. Firstly, the property is unsafe to occupy due to the lack of running water and functioning toilets. The accumulation of trash from squatters as well as from the departure of the last residents poses a risk to public health. Additionally, the property is vulnerable to fires set by squatters and scavengers, which could result in harm or loss of life. Recently, a two-alarm fire at Linwood Homes required thirty-two firefighters and thirteen units to control, resulting in an injury to one firefighter.
The proximity of Linwood Homes complex to nearby residential and commercial areas raises concerns for both safety and health. The declaration grants the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) authority to remove and potentially arrest anyone found occupying an apartment unit or camping on the property or scavenging items on it. It also authorizes Public Works and Property Standards (PWPS) departments to address health and safety hazards such as illegal dumping of trash on this land.
Signs will be posted at entrances warning that entry is forbidden, presence may result in arrest. The SPD will enforce this ban through periodic sweeps of the property.
For updates about this emergency situation, follow Ian Robinson on Twitter @_irobinson or Facebook at https://bit.ly/3vln0w1.
In conclusion, Mayor Arceneaux has taken necessary measures by declaring a State of Emergency for Linwood Homes Apartments due to hazardous conditions affecting public safety and health caused by squatters’ activities such as occupying apartments without permission and setting fires that put everyone’s lives at risk.
