JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
There is another Taking Back Our Neighborhoods success story to report.
I first told you about the property across the street from 5007 Clinton Boulevard in Jackson in October 2010.
It was an overgrown eyesore and for Sonja Renae Riptoe, a health hazard and threat to her safety until she called 3 On Your Side.
Taking a walk on the property just a few days ago would have been risky.
Sonja Renae Riptoe's house is across Rosehaven Street next to the lot.
For years, she and other neighbors, even a Jackson fire station on the other side of the property, had to endure overgrown weeds and brush here, which served as a perfect habitat for rats and insects.
And on more than one occasion, a hiding place for criminals.
"I got mugged right here in my driveway," Riptoe said.
But Riptoe called me April 19th to say City of Jackson workers had come out the day before and cleaned up the property on the corner of Rosehaven Street and Clinton Boulevard.
"They did a beautiful job; outstanding job," Riptoe said.
"We thank you because we believe that first call to WLBT, 3 On Your Side was instrumental in getting the ground work happening," Riptoe said. "We've been calling for a year and a half."
Riptoe is a member of the Hibernia Hills Neighborhood Association.
The lot belongs to a Pearl based company called Heartland Homes.
They weren't taking care of it and Riptoe said other members of the association felt like the city had forgotten them.
"We thank the city of Jackson for coming out because it was getting to the point where the neighborhood, the citizens and the homeowners were being victimized by vandals and individuals hiding on this lot," Riptoe said.
Just what will become of the property is unclear.
Riptoe and other residents would like to see it become a park with a walking trail, but for now, she's just happy that it's been cleared.
"And I would tell anybody, anywhere in Jackson, if you have overgrown lots; if you have vacant houses; anything that's a problem or an eyesore or a safety to the general public; just contact your local officials and, definitely, call 3 On Your Side," Riptoe said.
Heartland Homes, the company in Pearl that owns the property, will be billed by the City of Jackson for the cleanup.
Let us know how we can help you take back your neighborhood.
And, if you've already turned your community around, we want to know how you did it.
Just send an email to hballou@wlbt.com.
Copyright 2011 WLBT. All rights reserved
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
