State grant would help Amite demolish blighted property

Amite is pursuing a state grant that would help finance the demolition or removal of blighted properties, City Manager Mark Kolwe said during the City Council meeting Nov 3.

Kolwe said the city is applying for a Community Development Block Grant for Fiscal Year 2027, which could result in funding of $500,000. But he warned council members the city also applied for the grant a year ago and was not successful.

“We feel confident if we do what we need to do this year, we can get the half million dollar award to take care of some of the blighted property,” he said.

As part of the discussion of the blighted property grant, City Council members approved seven resolutions that covered a number of items regarding the application, including a listing of blighted properties, procurement policy, citizen participation and complaints, and a citizen participation plan policy, among others.

The program focuses on community improvement through property management and grants can range from $150,000 to $750,000.

According to the Louisiana Office of Community Development website the program helps communities eliminate slums and blighted conditions, improve neighborhood safety and create opportunities for future redevelopment where deteriorated structures pose risks to residents.

Council members also approved a request from a property owner to build a house on a lot that is only 75 feet in diameter, below the city’s required 100 feet. Kolwe said the property in question was in use prior to the current zoning ordinance being adopted but the existing house had been destroyed during Hurricane Ida.

Kolwe met with parish officials and it was recommended that if the house was existing before the ordinance was adopted and destroyed because of a hurricane and meets all other requirements and setbacks the city could honor the request.

Council members unanimously approved the property owner’s petition.

The meeting began with incoming Tangipahoa Parish School System Superintendent Ron Genco introducing himself to council members. Genco will succeed Superintendent Melissa Stilley, who is retiring in January.

Genco received approving nods when he said the better he does his job the easier it is for city officials to sell Amite and the surrounding areas and attract people to move to the city.

“We have to work together,” he said. “My pledge is we will (provide) the opportunity for our kids to be successful.”

It was also announced the annual Christmas parade is scheduled Nov. 29, at 6 p.m.

State grant would help Amite demolish blighted property

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