Catherine Toppel, director of inspection and code enforcement for the city of Kenner, told the City Council the two‑story triplex at 2700 Phoenix Street is severely compromised and unsafe, with large sections of roof collapsed and second‑floor exterior walls precariously standing.

"On 10/08/2025, it was determined the property was unsafe and dangerous under the building codes for the city of Kenner as well as section 5‑57 of the code of ordinances for the city of Kenner," Toppel said, describing boarded windows, open exterior doors permitting access, and a largely collapsed roof.

Toppel said certified notices were sent to the owner, identified in the staff report as Ernest James III, and that the owner failed to comply with orders to repair. She cited an engineer's report and photographs as the basis for recommending demolition.

Council members asked whether anyone remained living in the structure; Toppel said the department would confirm the building was unoccupied before demolition. Councilman Dunn raised reports from residents that a homeless person had been entering the structure; staff said they would ensure no one is inside prior to any action.

After a public hearing was opened and closed, the council voted to approve demolition "within the time allowed by law." The motion to approve was made by Council member Dunn and seconded by Council member Schwartz and passed by voice vote, recorded as 6–0.

The demolition will proceed under the city's code enforcement process and the provisions cited in the staff presentation; the council did not state any modification to the timetable announced by staff.