New Orleans - February 19, 2008 – During the early afternoon of Saturday, February 16th, 2008 residents of Saint Bernard Parish discovered red “X’s” stuck on the doors of their homes. Posted on hundreds of neighborhood homes that by the Saint Bernard Parish Government, the red “X” or Notice and Order of Involuntary Demolition gives residents little hope of being able to reverse the condemnation status of their property.

The Notice and Order of Involuntary Demolition states that tagged properties are not in current compliance with Minimum Housing Standards and gives homeowners 10 days (not business days) to appeal the condemnation status of their homes. The accompanying Notice of Condemnation also posted on some doors February 16th states that filing an appeal does not in itself change the condemnation status, but merely gives the homeowner the right to a hearing prior to demolition of the structure being officially ordered.

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