Three dilapidated properties that have been an eyesore and a nuisance for a Yazoo County neighborhood for years were demolished by county workers this week. The demolitions come with a new initiative by county leaders to address unkempt properties within the community.
“I am just so happy today because we are in the process right now of tearing down three properties,” said Supervisor Joseph Thomas Jr., during Monday’s Yazoo County Board of Supervisors meeting. “They had their time (to address the properties). Now it’s ours.”
Thomas said the dilapidated parcels that were demolished were located at 1243 Sylvan Cove, 1246 Sylvan Cove and 1233 Sylvan Cove. All three parcels were in the Shady Lane area.
“When I went by this morning, all the neighbors were outside,” Thomas said. “They were so excited. It was like they were having a parade. It meant a lot to me.”
The abandoned properties, covered with vegetation, have been a concern for residents in the area for many years. Addressing those properties was one of the first initiatives spearheaded by Thomas upon his arrival on the county board.
“Those houses are beyond repair,” Thomas said, during the first public hearing for the properties. “It is an eyesore for everyone on that block. It is not fair for those neighbors for those structures to be left like that. I don’t think you would want a structure like that next door to you. I am sworn to my constituents. They want it gone.”
The parcel owners were given 45 days to address the dilapidated lots. With no action from the owners, county crews went to work first thing Monday morning.
Thomas said the clock continues ticking for other properties on Longwood Cove. Pending clean-up from the property owners, the deadline before county work crews address the lots is approaching mid-June.
During Monday’s board meeting, public hearings were also scheduled for June 17 to address two properties, located at 157 Northpoint Court and 5451 Racetrack Road.
