1,585 code violations at Ridgeland apartment complex - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

1,585 code violations at Ridgeland apartment complex

By Cheryl Lasseter - bio|email|twitter

RIDGELAND, MS (WLBT) - Families live throughout the 264-unit Baymeadows apartment complex in Ridgeland, despite the fallen shingles, peeling paint, and boarded up windows and doors. Ward 5 Alderman Scott Jones says conditions aren't up to par.

"Very unsanitary conditions inside some apartment units, things that don't work, exposed wiring, a pool that has been shut down for several years because it's just unserviceable," Jones says.

The 1,585 code violations were brought to the attention of the owner five months ago. The city says at that time, the owner appealed the code enforcement officer's findings, but his appeal was denied.

The city gave him 60 days to make repairs. The deadline has passed.

"As far as I know, it's time to start issuing tickets, citations," Jones says. "Those citations can include jail time, they can include pretty stiff fines. The goal is quality living environments for multi family. Cheap does not necessarily equate to good."

Those fines could total $100,000 or more.

The attorney for Baymeadows, J. Lawson Hester, says "On October 21, Baymeadows Apartments submitted a request to the city of Ridgeland for additional time to complete the repairs required by the city. As of today, we have received no response whatsoever. Baymeadows is continuing in its repair efforts. It is expected that the city of Ridgeland would afford us additional time for making repairs, given the number and nature of the repairs or improvements requested."

Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee says while the city's lawyers will handle the request for an extension, the Board of Alderman have already voted against it. 

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