NEWS

Jackson may sell blighted property for $10

Anna Wolfe
Clarion Ledger

Jackson city councilmen in a planning meeting this week passed an order to the full council that would allow neighbors of blighted properties to purchase lots for $10 to $250.

The Neighbors First Lot Program sets up a procedure by which a Jackson homeowner can purchase city-owned properties — vacant or with existing structures needing rehabilitation.

The city has not yet created a comprehensive list of available lots under the city's ownership for prospective buyers. "It seems the city is working on packaging up the list of parcels to be more user friendly," said Deputy City Clerk Lee Morris.

Councilman Ashby Foote said Jackson has some 4,000 abandoned properties too unattractive for auction, just sitting under the city or state’s ownership.

The city is using the program to address these eyesores while also giving residents the opportunity to own more property.

“Out there, there are people who are already taking care of the property because they don’t want a bunch of weeds next door,” Foote said. “This gives them a chance to own it.”

Those eligible for the program are existing homeowners within the city of Jackson. The program gives preference to homeowners on the same streets as the vacant properties.

Residents who own homes on the same city block as a piece of abandoned property can purchase a vacant lot for $10 and a lot with an existing structure for $50. For all other city homeowners, the cost is $100 and $250, respectively.

The program targets local neighbors because “they’re going to have a more vested interest to make sure it’s kept up,” Foote said.

An amendment made in Tuesday’s meeting allows a 180-day window at the beginning of the program in which only homeowners on the same streets as blighted properties can apply to join the program. If the properties are not purchased in that window, anyone else who is eligible may apply.

The program requires that the new owners clean up the properties within 60 days and complete any agreed upon development or rehab within two years.