CITY OF KENN ER

OFFICE OF INSPECTION CODE ENFORCEMENT

 

E. ZAHN 111 RICHARD L. WALTHER
MAYOR DIRECTOR

Mr. Sid Bullard February 15.2018

Absolute Realty

1401 Esplanade Suite 118
Kenner, LA, 70065

Mr. Bullard,

As you are probably aware, on April 2017, the City of Kenner conducted a code sweep of the
Pavillion Shopping Center, 1000 West Esplanade. regarding blighted dangerous conditions at this commercial
multi-unit location. A summons was later issued to the property manager, Mr. Arnold Cooper, who at that time
represented the owner, .L. Holding, LLC. 3000 Executive Pkwy #515, San Roman CA. Following a meeting
held later with a representative of the Property Owner, Property Manager, and later the attorney representing the
property owner, Thomas Lutkewitte, it was agreed that steps would be taken to bring the property in compliance
of the multiple code violations. It was also agreed that the Property Owner would take steps to attempt to lease the
21 of 26 vacant rental units at the location which were becoming an increasing sore due to their neglected
condition. It should be noted that following the sweep, the City of Kenner contracted Pipeworks Demolition
Company to forward an estimate of the cost for demolition of a particular section of the complex which included
a movie theater that totaled $368,000.00. If a demolition is ordered by the City Council, you should be aware that
the City would incur the initial cost for the demolition, with a lien attached to the property to later recover those

funds.

Following the meetings, steps were taken by the property owner to clean and secure the property from
further damage. Many of these vacant units had no electric with exposed wires, trash, rodents, and other various
blighted conditions existing. I understand that you have been hired to attempt to lease the multiple vacant units,
and that Mr. Cooper is still working in the capacity of Property Manager, and would be responsible for accepting
any summons to be issued at the property for city violations. i am sending this letter to notify you that since the
time of our meeting ten months ago with the property owners no leases have occurred of the multiple vacant
units. It has also been learned that several businesses that actually attempted to obtain leases of units, were stalled
by the process of the property owners. and have moved onto other properties, including some outside of

our city.

I am making you aware that we are presently attempting to enact legislation that would penalize a
commercial property owner who not only refuses to maintain the condition of their property, but also allows for
the vacant structure to continue to deteriorate, and not attempt maintaining its leasing potential.

Please contact my of?ce to set up a meeting to discuss the response from the owner related to their refusal
to work tenants who .. to lease space at this location, and future needs of this property. Thank You

  

Director, City of Kenner Code Enforcement and Inspections 

INSPECTION CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT . 1801 WILLIAMS BOULEVARD . BUILDING B, SUITE 100
KENNER, LOUISIANA 70062 - OFFICE (504) 468-6606 . EMAIL: