NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Plaza Tower, one of the many buildings on New Orleans's "Dirty Dozen" list, is one step closer to being demolished. "We have seen over the last few years that we cannot trust the ownership to secure the building and make it safe," said New Orleans Councilmember-At-Large JP Morrell. New Orleans City Councilwoman Helena Moreno to run for mayor After being vacant for decades with numerous violations, the New Orleans City Council Governmental Affairs Committee has passed a $2.7 million contract allowing Renascent Inc. to secure the building. "We've seen the wire mesh, glass. They will do a floor-by-floor inspection, possibly repel the building, and do a full assessment, along with demolition drawings," said Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Austin Wilty. Several nearby streets are partially closed due to material falling. Councilwoman Lesli Harris explains it's been a safety hazard for years. She emphasized that the city will take action if necessary but would like the owner to remodel. "It seems like that while the hairnet was put up, and fencing was put up, it still is shedding material onto people on the streets. It's time to get the ownership to do something and if they are not going to do anything, I think it absolutely needs to be demolished," said Harris. Orleans Parish School Board votes to end operations at two charter schools Morrell is hopeful that once the work to stabilize the building is done, potential buyers may come forward. "There probably are still some very creative people out there who could step in at this point. The challenge is that the building has deteriorated to such a point that I don't know if the building itself is salvageable," said Morrell. Demolition could cost about $24 million. However, Morrell admits the city has no choice but to pay for it to be torn down if the owners refuse. He adds the city has the money and plans to move quickly once the contract is fully approved. "That abatement process will put us in a position that by Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, it's in a position where pieces are falling off. I think you're probably looking at, at most, an 18-month tops period before we have to step in and probably demolish it if no one does anything," said Morrell. The contract will be brought to the full council and mayor for approval. If it goes through, the project is set to begin at the beginning of the year. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Cold night ahead with some areas near freezing Lawmakers edge closer to deal on government funding Two former employees accused of embezzling from Town of Abita Springs WATCH: Saints interm coach Darren Rizzi previews matchup with Commanders, gives quarterback update Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier announces return to LSU