JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
An overgrown abandoned lot can be a nuisance and in some cases a hazard.
But for one west Jackson business, the combination of flames, high winds and tall dry brush made for some frightening moments. They are hoping the city will soon take action.
Kent Alday began contacting the city after a car fire spread to overgrown brush at a vacant lot across from his Lorenz Boulevard office in April of last year.
"If there had been a breeze blowing that way when it caught fire, it would have swept the whole lot," said Alday.
He and co-workers at Capitol Medical Supply watched as the flames slowly moved across the abandoned property. To them, the space is not just an eyesore but a safety issue.
"There's a lot of rats and stuff you'll see come out. You'll see stray dogs running through chasing rats and rabbits sometimes out. There's some lady who comes through sometimes, she'll park her car and let her dog chase rabbits which is kind of strange," said Alday.
The medical supply purchaser said the abandoned space, which was once up for sale, is becoming a major distraction for businesses in the area.
Alday has kept a log of communications with the city dating back to the fire until this March.
"I contacted community improvement and the ward there council person, and I've been working at this for almost two years now, 18 months and just can't seem to get any response," he said.
Jackson city spokesman Chris Mims said the city has cases against that lot as well as another on that street, and they are working through the process.
Mims said they are contacting the property owner, and if they fail to do what is needed, the city will go through the necessary procedures to have it cut.
"You get a lot of promises of call backs, and you just don't get any call backs," added Alday.
For now, it remains a waiting game for businesses that have grown tired of the view.
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