ST. MARTIN PARISH — Nearly 40 properties in the City of St. Martinville will soon be demolished. The city recently announced those who were approved for the demolition of their property.
For Jessica Abry Alexus, the reason for the purchase of her 1950s property was to give it another life.
“It used to be the Russo’s mechanic shop back when I was at Trinity when I was about 11,12 years old,” Alexus said.
But when Alexus wasn't on the property, the building was vandalized and burglarized.
“We don’t know who broke into the building but we had two compressors here that were stolen at one time,” Alexis said.
“And they have broken into the building several times so that’s another reason why we wanna get you know.. have it demolished.”
St. Martinville Chief of Police Ricky Martin said before 72 cameras were placed throughout the city in 2022, vacant properties were prone to squatters and crime.
Alexus said it would've cost her nearly double the amount to restore the building then it would be to start new.
“I’ve had several contractors come in and look at it and see if it was restorable,” Alexus said.
“The price to restore the building compared to the price of building a new building was extremely high. So then my husband andI decided we’re gonna go ahead and knock it down.”
She was approached by a city councilman about applying for the Clearance Grant last summer. Those who qualify are eligible to have the city demolish their property.
“And the process was very easy,” Alexis said. “We filled out the application, we waited approximately six to eight weeks. And then we actually got a phone call and we were approved.”
According to Mayor Jason Willis, properties had to be deemed unsafe in order to be approved.
“You can see the roof is messed up, the frame is entirely gone and the foundation is broken at the bottom,” Alexus said.
As for plans for Jessica’s property…
“It could be probably another business or it could be another residence,” Alexus said. “We’re not sure we’re still looking at our plans right now and seeing our options.”
Mayor Willis' assistant, Kimya Cruz, said the next step of the grant is an environmental review of the properties.
