Vacant Labor Department Building Bothers Houma Couple

HOUMA, La. (AP) — A Houma husband and wife say they have taken on a duty they don't want: cleaning up trash and cutting the grass at an unoccupied state-owned building near their home.

Carroll Babin and his wife Sandra told The Courier that they are tired of living next door to the former state unemployment office in Houma. The office closed years ago and now operates at the Town Hall.

The Babins say the vacant property is an eyesore and a possible site for criminal activity.

Tom Guarisco, the LouisianaWorkforce Commission communications director, said his department is concerned about the facility, and it plans to develop it.

Guarisco said work to improve the building, which had some damage from Hurricane Isaac, is expected to begin soon.