Ward 1 Alderman Ron Johnson said the city is not strictly enforcing its ordinance regarding mobile homes, and it’s hurting neighborhoods.
Johnson said the city’s ordinance prevents residents from locating mobile homes in the city that were built over 10 years ago, but some people are not following the rules.
Johnson said one resident recently brought in a mobile home that is in terrible condition.
“They drug that thing in there and took the wheels off, and it’s just sitting there,” he said. “It’s an eyesore.”
Building Inspector Russ Carter said he was aware of the mobile home Johnson was describing, but he did not know that someone was trying to move an older mobile home in that condition into the city.
“Before long Yazoo City is going to be a trailer park,” Johnson said. “You’re letting folks bring anything they want to in here, and it’s destroying the neighborhoods.”
“That is something I did not do,” Carter responded.
Carter said some residents have gotten around the rules by moving mobile home during the weekend.
“We’re tearing down houses, and putting up more crap,” Johnson said. “This does the city no service.”
Carter said one resident who does not comply with the ordinance is now trying to go through the process of getting it approved through Planning and Zoning.
“I don’t understand that,” said Mayor Diane Delaware. “I think it has to be removed.”
Delaware said the city has established policies, and residents must meet those guidelines.
Ward 4 Alderman Aubry Brent Jr. said he thinks that part of the problem is that there is some conflict between the Planning and Zoning board and Carter.
Delaware said the solution to the problem is simply following the proper procedure in every case.
“You have to follow the same procedure for every person,” Delaware said.
Ward 2 Alderman Andre Lloyd said Carter needs to inspect each mobile home before it is approved to make sure it complies with the ordinance.
Ward 3 Alderman Sir Jonathan Rucker said he wants to see the ordinances applied in all areas of the city.
“If we do the same thing for everybody, we don’t have to worry about these things,” Rucker said. “When it comes to different wards, we must do the right thing every time for everybody.”
