Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Nuisance Properties topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Natchez board adjudicates nuisance properties after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing April 28, the Natchez Mayor and Board of Aldermen adopted a resolution adjudicating multiple nuisance properties, citing code violations and setting the record for follow-up enforcement; city staff noted some properties will be demolished or placed on remediation schedules.
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Natchez City held a public hearing April 28 to receive comments on multiple adjudicated nuisance properties and then voted to adopt a resolution formally adjudicating the properties presented.
Officer Vasquez, the code enforcement officer, reviewed the notice and inspection process and described each property the staff recommended for adjudication. "Resolution adjudicating nuisance properties in the city of Natchez, Mississippi," Officer Vasquez read during the meeting, citing the city charter, Natchez City code, and Mississippi Code 21-19-11 as the basis for the action. The properties listed in the resolution included 4 Claiborne Street, 1601 Eastwood Road, 14 Homewood Drive, 11 Madison Street, 634 Maple Street, 51 Minor Street, 720 Morgan Avenue, 820 North Rankin Street and 269 Old Washington Road.
Several residents who live near listed addresses spoke during the public comment portion. Mark (who identified himself during the hearing) said the vehicle cited at Ambassador Street is an antique car he intends to repair; Mr. Warfield, who addressed 269 Old Washington Road, described ongoing efforts and personal constraints to complete repairs, saying he needs time to get the property in order.
Board members pressed staff on enforcement details. One alderman asked whether the city issues tickets or fines prior to adjudication; Officer Vasquez said the ordinance directs the board to adjudicate and the city currently does not have a separate citation regime for overgrowth violations in every instance. Board members also discussed use of inmate crews and the city budget to prioritize cleanups.
After the public hearing was adjourned, Alderman Smith moved to adopt the resolution adjudicating the nuisance properties as presented. The motion was seconded and the board voted to approve the resolution; the city recorded the motion on the meeting minutes as required by state law.
The resolution reading instructs the city to pursue remedies set forth by code (which may include abatement, demolition, or other actions) and confirms the city’s authority to act under the International Property Maintenance Code referenced in the record. For at least one property (51 Minor Street), board members noted a demolition had already been arranged to remove a structurally unsound building.
Next steps: the resolution will be spread on the minutes and code enforcement will proceed with the remedies available under city code and state law. Residents who addressed the board were told the city will follow up with any enforcement actions and that the city clerk’s office will maintain the public record.
