Council affirms city attorney Drew M. Martin; members press for swifter legal action on blight and nuisance cases

The Jackson City Council confirmed Drew M. Martin as city attorney on Sept. 30, and several members used the confirmation hearing to press the legal office for swifter action on blight, nuisance properties and other problems that affect public safety and neighborhood quality of life.

Why it matters: The city attorney is the council’s legal adviser and oversees litigation and enforcement actions that the city uses to address blight, code violations and public‑safety concerns. Councilmembers raised several outstanding enforcement matters and asked for clearer, faster legal responses.

Council discussion highlights
- Blight and property enforcement: Multiple councilmembers described prolonged enforcement cases — including properties that required demolition — and asked whether the legal office can move more quickly or whether the city should pursue legislative changes. Martin said the office is working with agency partners and that he will pursue legal pathways, including outside counsel if warranted.
- Railroad/viaduct closure and litigation: Council members raised a long‑running dispute over a viaduct/road closure linked to a railroad; Martin said pleadings had been filed before his tenure and that he would examine options, including public‑works alternatives if litigation is slow.
- Nuisance club enforcement: Members asked about enforcement at specific locations (referred to in the hearing as “Jasco/Jazz Club” issues); Martin said he has been coordinating with police and would supply an update to the council.
- Council liaison: Martin noted that the city attorney serves both the mayor and the council and said he is working to rebuild trust and improve responsiveness to council inquiries.

Outcome: The council confirmed Martin’s appointment (vote recorded in the meeting). Councilmembers asked for follow‑up briefings on blight enforcement, the railroad/viaduct litigation and nuisance‑series enforcement actions.

What’s next: Martin said he would provide requested updates and consider using outside counsel or statutory changes to speed blight enforcement where necessary.