JOURNAL STAFF

The Alexandria City Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance expanding administrative enforcement powers for city code violations and voted to proceed with the condemnation and demolition of a blighted downtown structure that officials say has remained neglected for nearly three decades.

Meeting in regular session following a committee hearing, the council adopted an amendment to Chapter 7 of the city code allowing administrative hearing officers to adjudicate a broader range of civil infractions, including zoning, vegetation, property maintenance, drainage, and permitting violations.

The local ordinance aligns with Act 612 of the 2026 Louisiana Legislative Session, which expanded administrative adjudication authority for municipalities under 70,000 in population.

Planning Director Daniel Smith told council members that the updated framework will streamline enforcement by shifting routine civil disputes out of Alexandria City Court, where zoning non-compliance was previously prosecuted as a misdemeanor.

“We’ve had certain zoning cases that we prosecuted in city court as misdemeanors. That can be time-consuming; it’s not very efficient,” Smith said. “Really, we’re trying to get people to address violations that are more civil in nature.”

Under the newly adopted measure, hearing officers may issue fines of up to $500 per violation. Decisions rendered by an administrative hearing officer may be appealed to the 9th Judicial District Court under civil appellate standards. The ordinance passed with one dissenting vote from Councilman At-Large Jules R. Green.

In other business, the council addressed community development concerns during a public hearing regarding a commercial property located at 1505 Second St.

City inspectors informed the council that the property has been subject to code enforcement action since 1997, when the city first issued a notice recommending rehabilitation. The city issued a formal demolition recommendation in September 2025.

Property owner Richard Holloway requested an additional continuance, stating that he had been in discussions with an organization aiming to secure grant funding to convert the building into a housing facility for homeless veterans.

However, city inspectors and neighboring property managers raised safety and health concerns, reporting that the building remained unsealed and was being occupied by unauthorized individuals.

“It’s a hazard because children walking up and down coming downtown all the time have to pass by there,” said Richard Horton, who manages commercial property across from the site.

The council voted to proceed with the condemnation order, giving the property owner 30 days to begin substantial permitted work or demolish the building. If no action is taken within the 30-day window, the city will issue a contract for demolition and place a tax lien on the property to recover costs.

In additional action, the council:

• Approved a series of equipment and maintenance contracts, including turnout gear for the Alexandria Fire Department and electric utility distribution maintenance.
• Granted rezoning requests for properties on England Drive and Harmon Lane to accommodate expanded commercial and residential uses.
• Voted to co-sponsor the Arts Council of Central Louisiana Fall Art Walk scheduled for October 2026.
• Delayed final adoption on two bids regarding single-phase transformers for two weeks at the request of the city administration.