Lake Arthur Takes Stand on Eyesores

LAKE ARTHUR, La. (AP) - Lake Arthur officials are cracking down on residents who don't maintain their homes and property.

Mayor Robbie Bertrand says he wants the town to better enforce its ordinances on abandoned vehicles and appliances and those pertaining to dilapidated structures.

Violators who keep junk and abandoned vehicles could face up to a $100 fine and 30 days in jail under the ordinance.

Town Attorney Bennett LaPoint suggested that officers give an initial warning before issuing tickets to give property owners time to "dispose" of the abandoned vehicles or appliances.

Bertrand also wants the town to crack down on the condemnation and removal of dilapidated structures. Since an ordinance was passed in 2000, he says one person has been served a condemnation notice.