BEAUMONT, Texas — While many cities have a vacant building registry, Beaumont is not among them.
However, the city is now wants to change that by passing an ordinance that would create additional oversight, and move the city closer to its "Beaumont Vision 2035 Plan".
"In light of the Gilbert building fire and the number of vacant buildings downtown. We as a city are looking at how we can respond proactively," said Mayor Roy West.
Looming in the skyline of downtown Beaumont, sit many vacant buildings dotting the horizon.
With the "Beaumont Vision 2035 Plan" ready to kick off, city leaders want these structures to be part of the solution and not the problem.
"Right now we have no idea the total number of unoccupied buildings of downtown, we don't know the number of buildings that don't have utilities," said Audwin Samuel.
Fire Chief Earl White says floor plans would come in handy in case of emergencies.
"In vacant structures we're not aware of what's actually going on in the structure so with this registry plan it would help with that," said Chief White.
Jim Broussard owns the vacant Nathan Building in downtown, he supports the registry but says it would need to be phased in.
"Because the investments to get to the maximum compliance that is being shown today far exceeds the building costs,'" said Broussard "Everyone in our group of property owners believe in responsible downtown ownership secure properties monitored in some way whether it's cameras or burglar or fire alarm. That's all very reasonable, but we ask in exchange for that from the city that we have additional assistance in making sure they stay secure."
Mayor West says that the goal is to keep the city safe.
"We want to work with those owners to get in compliance but also so those buildings are safe for not only them but also the public," said Mayor West.
City leaders are working with building owners to finalize exactly what the ordinance will require.
Mayor West is hoping to have a proposal to vote on sometime next month.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.