The final block of Main Street in Yazoo City has been a thorn in the city’s side when it comes to its appearance on one of the main arteries of the community. This newspaper has provided plenty of ink to the subject for the last 15 years.
The final block in the downtown area has been referred to as a “third world country” and a “menace.” And even with prosperity and new life arriving along Main Street, the final block has remained in ruins for several years. Those investing downtown are held back by the poor condition of the fourth block. It also discourages new investment.
We understand that the process to clean up these properties is a long and legal endeavor. With many parcels shifting owners, it seems like a wrench was constantly being thrown in the efforts to beautify the area. But for some property owners, there is no excuse. Based on land records, some of the parcels have not changed owners, with many owners living out of town. It is easy for an owner to not care what their property looks like when they don’t have to see it every day. Out of sight, out of mind applies in these circumstances.
But the people of Yazoo City do mind. And we hope that the recent efforts to begin the clean-up process, again, take hold. We applaud the efforts of Assistant Building Inspector Danny Neely to bring these properties to the city council’s attention. And we hope that the city leaders continue to put their teeth into this most urgent matter. However, it is a road this newspaper has seen traveled before.
Some property owners began to dismantle their properties, but work has come to a complete halt along the final block of Main Street. The skeletons and rubble left behind are just as even more of an eyesore than when the crumbling building structures remained. Perhaps these owners salvaged what valuable materials and bricks they could make money from before leaving the wasteland behind. Whatever the reason, the city shouldn’t let them get away with it.
Businesses and prosperity come to clean cities, and there are plenty of areas within our community that need addressing. But it’s past time to finish the job of cleaning up the end of Main Street.
Our downtown Yazoo City draws many visitors to our area. With boutiques, restaurants and many business landmarks, it is an area that should be reflective of what Yazoo City has to offer, not only to visitors but to our own citizens who frequent the area daily.
The process to hold these property owners accountable began anew this week during the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. Only one property owner within that final block came before the city council on behalf of their parcel. The remaining owners did not make an appearance.
We think city leaders should work with those owners who make an attempt to clean up their properties. But to the ones who don’t even care enough to plead their case, hold them accountable.
They may not care about their properties, but we should care about the future of our community. And a lasting eyesore should not be what we leave for future generations to address. The clock is not ticking anymore. It has stopped, and it’s time to grease the wheel.
