NEW ORLEANS — A City Council Committee took a significant step forward on Wednesday, by approving $2.7 million to make the blighted and dangerous Plaza Tower, safe and ready for demolition.
"The initial thing we're doing, the [$2.7 million] is an abatement to make sure that parts aren't falling off on people anymore, said Councilmember-at-large, JP Morrell during a Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting. "So that's part one."
Morrell explained that this bid is the first phase of a two-part process, with the second phase involving the actual demolition of the building. The estimated cost for demolition is $28 million.
"The price tag is that high because the building has a host of issues," Morrell said. City officials have faced challenges in moving forward with demolishing the long-abandoned Plaza Tower.
The building's owner, Joe Jaeger, passed away in June following a car crash near his home in Folsom, Louisiana. Before his death, the city had urged Jaeger to address the blighted skyscraper.
In May, Jaeger revealed he had been in discussions with potential buyers over the past few years. However, there were complications with the current buyer under contract.
In the last few years, the property posed multiple issues for the city, including debris falling, fires, and squatters. Last year, the city hit Jaeger with multiple fines, they say, the largest amount the city has ever imposed. It was an effort to avoid the $28 million demolition cost and encourage cooperation from Jaeger and potential buyers.
To ensure public safety, the city recently closed streets surrounding the building to prevent the risk of injuries caused by falling debris.
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