Cleanup of unsafe structures and autos continues
By Evan Carden SA Editor

The destruction of dilapidated structures and removal of abandoned and unsafe vehicles from the city of Jackson is continuing, and the Jackson City Council shows no sign of letting up on the effort.

Council members voted Tuesday to proceed with the destruction of five structures deemed unsafe by an engineer hired by the city to conduct evaluations of such properties. Mayor Richard Long said the owners of the unsightly buildings had been given ample opportunity to clean up their properties on their own and that the city had followed all legal procedures in attempting to get them to do so. "The landowners have been notified of this decision," he said. "They were sent two letters (asking them to comply with the city ordinance) so by law we are okay in proceeding with this."

The buildings to be demolished are located at Highway 43 and South Stanley Drive, the corner of Depot Road and Industrial Road, Pecan Loop, East Front Street and on Depot Road.

The council was also provided with a list of abandoned vehicles within the city that have been removed following the efforts of Jackson Police Officer Norman "Buzzy" Jordan, the officer designated by the Jackson Police Department to handle such cases and the notification of the vehicle owners.

Jordan provided a report to the city indicating a total of 49 vehicles have been removed since the effort began more than a year ago from locations on Warren Street, Willis Street, Kimbrough Street, Pecan Circle, Depot Road, Valentine Road, Commerce Street, Murphy Street, Industrial Road, Vine Street, Oak Street, Algiers Street, Cedar Street and the corner of Cedar and Cherry.

In a letter to the council Jordan stated, "Enclosed please find a list of the abandoned vehicles that I have dealt with thus far for the city of Jackson. This list includes the current actions that have been taken to remove these vehicles. Although there are still many abandoned vehicles remaining, I ask for your patience as I continue this effort. Once we are up to full force again within the department, the task will be given my utmost attention. Should you have any knowledge of any abandoned vehicles that need priority attention, or any other matters, please do not hesitate to contact me."

The mayor and several council members voiced their appreciation to City Works Director Kevin Woodson and Jordan for their efforts in identifying properties and vehicles that need removing.

"A good job is being done by Officer Jordan on getting abandoned vehicles removed," said Councilman Eldridge Jackson Jr. "I appreciate the work he has done and look forward to seeing more of these vehicles removed, as well as unsafe buildings."

Councilman Paul South said, "I appreciate the work Kevin Woodson has done on getting these buildings removed and appreciate the council for moving to clean up this town."

In other business:

*Councilman Paul South reported that the generator for the water plant would be delivered and hooked up in March. He said the water department is currently conducting tours of the facility for students.

South also said there were a number of nice dogs at the city pound that would be good gifts for Valentine's Day or any other occasion. "These are nice dogs who need good homes," he added.

*Councilman Daron Bolen asked the council to continue pursuing the effort to make the south entrance/exit to Wal-Mart an entrance only, citing a recent automobile crash which occurred there that required that the occupant of one of the vehicles be extracted by the Jackson Fire Department using the Jaws of Life.

*Councilman Eddie Huggins said the last day for Little League sign-up is Feb. 15 (today). He reported that the new concession stand at North Jackson Park is complete and 23 lights had been replaced at the girls softball field. "I would like to thank all of the volunteers who have devoted their time and hard work," he said. "Without them none of this would have been possible."

Huggins also reported that the Continuing School Improve-ment (CSI) program is doing well with a lot of participation. He thanked Jackson Interme-diate School Principal Mike Bedsole and Superintendent of Schools Gerald Stephens for their support of the program.

*Assistant Fire Chief Bobby Brooks reported that the first of the year has started slow with fewer calls than normal. "We hope that continues," he said. In addition, he reported that the department recently underwent a joint training session with LifeFlite on alternative landing zones at the North jackson Fire Station.

*C.J. Arnold, representing Clarke-Mobile Counties Gas District, reported that an interconnect with Wilcox County Gas was almost complete, a move that would give the company an alternative source for gas should it be needed.

He also said the simplifying of the breakdown of rates on the company's gas bills would soon go into effect, noting that this did not indicate an increase in rates. He thanked the gas board for allowing the company to restructure the way the bills are broken down.

*The council voted to pass resolutions allowing for local tax incentives for Evergreen Transportation and Gulf Lumber, two companies which recently announced they are locating to the city.

*A measure was approved to amend the city's alcohol ordinance to remove the 10 percent tax on the sale of liquor for restaurants and stores.

*Council members approved the naming of Mike Sherrod as project manager for the development of a green space to be located at the corner of East Church Street and Forest Avenue.

*The council approved the purchase of new bleachers for the Little League park, a move that was indicated to be needed by the city's insurance company. The new bleachers will include hand rails and partitions between the seating areas.

For the Feb. 27 meeting the council will consider:

*A resolution designating 240 acres of property located off of Highway 177 as an Enterprise Zone, offering tax incentives to new industry;

*A resolution to purchase M.W. Smith property;

*Streetlights on Hicks Avenue, Church Street and Forest Avenue;

*The request by CVS for a license for the off premise sale of beer and wine.

The next regular meeting of the Jackson City Council is scheduled for Feb. 27 at 6 p.m.

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