Sure it’s ugly, but at least you won’t have to mow the lawn! photo: Karen Gadbois

Somebody call 311!

Thanks to Lens reader Kurt Buchert for sending in photos of this recent Uptown paving violation—a 100-percent disaster.

Construction was nearly complete and a certificate of occupancy was in process when the city sent out an inspector. The official reaction: Not so fast.

The city says the certificate of occupancy hinges on jackhammering the cement, which was being poured last week. photo: Kurt Buchert

The inspector’s report cites the “100-percent” front yard paving job and notes that it deviates from the plan submitted. The upshot: “No C of O until remedied.”

With the paving in progress last week, Buchert said he reported the issue via the city’s 311 hotline, then made follow-up calls to various city agencies and to City Councilwoman Susan Guidry, the District A representative.

The inspection report was filed Monday, Sept. 17.

I’m counting on Buchert to continue updating us as progress is made—or isn’t—in the removal of the cement landing pad.

Neighbors may find it simply hideous. (Skateboarders may disagree.) But in a city as prone to flooding as New Orleans, leaving some open landscape to soak up rainwater is kind of a no-brainer.