With several roofs completely collapsed and many buildings with only a façade remaining, the fourth block of Main Street has been an eyesore to the community for many years.
Alderman Aubry Brent Jr. said it is time to begin the process that deems the properties as a public nuisance in an effort to spark clean-up efforts. He asked Building Inspector Russ Carter to begin that often lengthy process immediately during the last Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting.
“I get a lot of calls about the third world country appearance of our lower end of town,” Brent said. “The city does not own these buildings. They are owned by somebody. Find out the owners of these properties, write them a letter through our attorney, and tell them they must come in here and clean these properties up.”
Brent said if the owners ignore the city’s citations, continue the process by using municipal resources.
“If it is not done, then we will do it and charge them for it,” Brent said.
Brent said many of the properties have been purchased through delinquent tax sales.
“They do absolutely nothing in terms of keeping the appearance of our city clean,” Brent said.
Brent asked he would like to see the city address the unkempt properties as soon as possible.
“I know there are obstacles that we can’t get started with right away,” he said. “But this is an eyesore.”
In other property news:
• Two properties that have gone through proper legal procedure to have the city clean-up the lots were approved by the city council. Those properties include 1012 E. Tenth St., owned by Hannelore Inman of California; and 1075 Davis St., owned by Cecil Brookins.
