Taking Back Our Neighborhoods- 49 more - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Taking Back Our Neighborhoods- 49 more

The City of Jackson continues its battle with eyesores and now 49 more private properties are set for city clean up. On the list is 531 West Capitol Street. It is the church that once housed Voice of Calvary Ministries and it appears demolition work is already underway.

Also on the list, 417 Derrick Street off Bailey Avenue. There was a man sitting on the porch, who told 3 On Your Side he has been keeping the property clean. He did not say he was the owner of the house. Since the beginning of fiscal year 2011, 28 dilapidated structures have been demolished and 98 private properties have been cleaned up by the city.

Claude Smith, community improvement manager said, "Well, we've had quite a few successes during this year. This process that we're going through now is where we've had the properties declared a menace and next step would be to get it before city council for approval and if it's not cleaned by the property owner, then we'll have it cleaned and send them a bill."

Smith said the city's community improvement division receives 75 to 100 complaints each month. There are 8 code enforcement officers handling those complaints and smith said a 9th is now in training.

Smith said, "2012 is; we're very optimistic about 2012. Everything is going well as far as our cases getting before the judge and the process is working well, so we're moving forward; all our cases that we have for this year."

To report community blight such as overgrown grass and weeds, parked abandoned inoperative vehicles or burned structures, dial 3-1-1 or call the city's Community Improvement Division at 601-960-1054.

Let us help you take back your neighborhood. Just send an email to hballou@wlbt.com or contact me on Facebook or Twitter.

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