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Southaven planning director recommends condemnation of Old Checkers building; board votes to proceed
Summary
Planning Director Whitney Cook recommended condemning and removing the Old Checkers building, citing structural and fire‑safety issues under Mississippi Code §21‑19‑11; the board voted to accept the recommendation and authorize condemnation, while staff noted interested buyers and a removal timeline that may allow negotiations.
The Southaven Board of Aldermen voted Tuesday to accept a recommendation from Planning Director Whitney Cook to condemn the Old Checkers building and move toward removal, citing significant structural damage and fire‑marshal input.
Cook told the board the structure is a modular building with an expected 20‑year lifespan that has been on site more than 50 years and that reports and photos in the record show extensive exterior and structural deterioration. “It is still the recommendation at this point in time, to have the building removed based on the fact that it is a module building that has a 20 year lifespan,” Cook said.
City staff and the fire marshal told the board they obtained access to the interior, provided photos and revised reports for consideration, and said the cost to repair would likely exceed removal and replacement. The planning department also reported there is an interested purchaser for the lot but that, if condemnation proceeds, there is a statutory process and a waiting period during which the owner may decide how to respond.
Alderman Hoots moved to accept the building and fire officials’ recommendation to condemn the property; Alderman Payne seconded the motion, which passed on roll‑call vote. Mayor noted the city’s intention is not to demolish immediately but to show the city will act to address unsafe structures and to protect public safety while parties work toward a resolution.
No demolition timetable was set at the meeting; staff said removal is not likely to occur within weeks and that negotiations with the property owner and the potential purchaser remain possible.
