Building Back – Buyout Properties for Sale

The properties bought with CDBG grant funds from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike are being sold August 11^th without reserve.  The parish purchased the properties due to their repetitive storm damage, and is required to use the properties for a public purpose or sell them.  Any structures built on these properties will be at a higher flood safety level.  The program eliminated the storm damaged structures and can provide safer housing and avoid having vacant lots as often occurs with FEMA buyout programs.

Most of the properties are in Roberta Grove, Lisa Park and Bayou Cane.  Some are two or three lots together, but all being sold separately at auction.  We hope for a good turnout August 11^th at 11:00 in the Government Tower at 8026 Main Street, and online.  Visit www.terrebonneauction.com for pictures and www.svngilmoreauction.com more information on the properties, the auction, and terms and conditions.

This is the third attempt to sell the properties, and the money earned from the sales is “program income.”  The funds will revert to the state unless they accept an application from the Parish proposing to remedy an unmet need from the 2008 storms that meets a national objective.  The national objectives the elimination of slum and blight, assistance to low to moderate income individuals, and urgent need.  The properties can be rebuilt on with some minor limitations and affirmative requirements.

CODE OF ETHICS

La. R.S.42: 1109 et seq. Prohibits “public servants” (parish Employees) from entering into contracts and other transactions that are under the jurisdictions of the agency of that “public servant.” Therefore, the following people are prohibited from bidding on surplus items:

All council members; The Parish President; All employees of the Finance Department, the Purchasing Division, the Planning Department and the Housing and Human Services Department; All employees of the department from which the surplus items came, including all supervisors and the department head; Employees and staff of the Parish President and Administration; the children, spouses of children, brothers, sisters, parents, spouse, and the parents of the spouse, of the above listed persons; and any corporation, partnership, or other legal entity in which a person described above has a controlling interest.