The New Orleans Division of Code Enforcement today meets for a hearing on the derelict Plaza Tower skyscraper. It comes on the heels of an inspector general's report urging the city to collect more than a million dollars in fines from the building's owner.
The inspector general says between fines for the building falling apart to the city's expenses in closing off streets around the building as pieces of it fall off, the Plaza Tower's owner could be on the hook for more than $1.2 million. The city has resisted collecting, saying it would hurt attempts to sell the building.
Council member Lesli Harris says the city should be more concerned with public safety.
"My priority is the health and safety of our residents and immediate action to address the mounting concerns and risks posed by Plaza Tower," Harris said.
Harris says if the owner can sell the 45-story building at Howard and Loyola avenues, great, but it cannot wait forever.
"If the city determines that the property needs to be demolished, then that's what need to happen to make sure that our citizens stay safe," said Harris.
Plaza Tower has sat vacant for two decades.
