Baton Rouge Officials Discuss Condemning Blighted Properties

District Seven Councilwoman Twahna P. Harris hosts town hall to explain the process.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In a town hall meeting, Baton Rouge District Seven Councilwoman Twahna P. Harris invited city officials to explain the step-by-step process of condemning blighted properties in the district and beyond. Harris emphasized that demolition is a last resort, and the goal is to work with property owners to address issues before reaching that point.

Why it matters

Blighted and abandoned properties are an ongoing issue in many urban areas, impacting public safety, property values, and economic development. Harris is working to improve communication with residents and property owners to find solutions that work for the community.

The details

Condemned properties are discussed during metro council meetings after evaluations and inspections are completed. Property owners are then notified and given a certain number of days to address the issues. Harris stated that last year, 93 houses were condemned, 92 were demolished, 135 overgrown lots were cut, and 274 tons of illegal dumping were removed across the district.

  • In the last few meetings, Harris said many people thought she signed off on the condemnation for two properties, but that wasn't the case.
  • On Tuesday night, Harris invited city officials to the town hall to explain the condemnation process step by step.

The players

Twahna P. Harris

District Seven Councilwoman in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who is working to address blighted properties in her district.

Baton Rouge City Officials

City officials who attended the town hall to explain the process of condemning blighted properties.

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What they’re saying

“I want to make certain that district seven constituents and property owners know that the last resort is demolition.”

— Twahna P. Harris, District Seven Councilwoman (louisianafirstnews.com)

“It's important that we make certain that our property owners understand that we're not here to take your property from you. But what we're here to do is work with you so you can inform us on what's going on with the property and what your next steps are.”

— Twahna P. Harris, District Seven Councilwoman (louisianafirstnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.