By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

CONVENT – With the help of seven local businesses, St. James Parish officials are moving forward with a demolition project to remove blighted housing in the Convent community.

St. James Stevedoring, ADM Grain, Jeffco Transportation, IC Rail Marine Terminal, Weber Marine, Yara North America and Arr Maz Custom Chemicals raised several thousand dollars to raze the abandoned homes, most of which are situated along the Mississippi River in Convent.

“We started talking to the residents about what was needed in the area and important to them,” said Paul Morton, president of St. James Stevedoring. “It is a three-fold deal in that the residents wanted the buildings torn down, the parish had the labor and equipment to complete the job and we provided the money to connect the two.”

Morton said the lots would continue to be privately owned, and the residents living near the area agreed to help keep the vacant lots within the parish code enforcement guidelines.

“This is the beginning of an overall plan to clean up St. James Parish,” said Parish President Dale Hymel. “It’s a win-win situation when the local government and industry can work together. Hopefully the community can see an improvement in following by the code enforcement guidelines.”

Melissa Wilkins, public information officer for St. James Parish, said the parish has already cleared four homes and has enough money on hand to raze another 20. She said most of the lots are situated in District 4, which includes Convent.

“There are about 50 properties in the area that we are trying to clear,” Wilkins said. “We are working to raise more money to finish off the rest of the project.”

Morton said demolitions would resume sometime late next week. He said the parish is waiting for empty debris containers to be delivered.