Homeowners hopeful new ordinance will clean up blighted properties

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Gladys Betts has lived in south Lee County for more than three decades and says years ago, her neighborhood used to be a source of pride.

She says it’s now an eyesore.

“I am so embarrassed for friends and relatives to come to my house,” said Betts.

Betts, and homeowners in other parts of Lee County brought photos showing what they claim is the main problem; rental properties full of items such as tires,  broken appliances and other trash.

The residents said landlords simply don’t care.

“They’re using their property as an investment, while taking our investment in our property down, written letters, talked to them, nothing happened,” said Betts.

The ordinance approved by supervisors is meant to bring relief to homeowners like Betts. The property maintenance ordinance would allow complaints to be filed about a property with junk vehicles, overgrown grass, excessive trash and other issues that could be considered a public health hazard.

A hearing officer would then investigate.

If the hearing officer finds the property is a health hazard, the ordinance spells out what will happen next.  The county can order the owner to clean up the property.  If that doesn’t happen, the county can step in, clean up the property, and send the bill, along with a fine to the owner.  It could end up in a lien against the property.

“After three years it would be sold at a tax sale and just like if you don’t pay your property taxes, it will give them a reason to want to clean their place up, I can promise you,” said Tony Roper, president of the Lee County Board of Supervisors.

The ordinance takes effect in 30 days.

The landlord who owns the property shown in the photographs was contacted by WCBI, but said he had not had time to review the ordinance so he declined to comment.