Lafayette looks to make it easier to crack down on vacant, abandoned structures

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(Photos: City of Lafayette)

Lafayette took another step toward cracking down on vacant and abandoned structures Monday, with the city council unanimously giving preliminary approval to new definitions and fines in city code meant to target and fix neglected properties.

“Abandoned structures pose significant challenges, decreasing our housing stock, impacting property values, fostering crime and diminishing the overall quality of life in our neighborhoods,” Jacque Chosnek, Lafayette’s city attorney, said. “The ordinance changes strengthen our ability to address these issues head-on.”