Introduction
In neighborhoods across Mississippi, tall grass envelops boarded windows, overgrown lots are littered with debris, and decaying porches sag under years of neglect. These scenes of urban decay are prevalent throughout the state, posing significant challenges to communities and local governments. Addressing the issue of abandoned properties is complex, entangled in legal and financial obstacles that hinder revitalization efforts.
The Cycle of Neglect
Properties often fall into disrepair due to a combination of familial, legal, and financial factors. When property owners pass away without a clear succession plan, heirs may neglect to probate the estate, leading to unpaid taxes and eventual forfeiture to the state.
Reverend John Whitfield of Gulfport’s Morning Star Baptist Church has witnessed this cycle firsthand. “A lot of these properties become the way they are because parents will die, the children will not follow through with probating an estate, back taxes become due and they go unpaid,” Whitfield explained. “The properties are then purchased at an auction, or they will lapse back to the state, and the state will take them for these back taxes.”
However, many properties remain neglected. Buyers at tax auctions often reside out-of-state and may lack the intention or resources to rehabilitate the properties. Some abandon their investment upon realizing that repair costs outweigh potential returns, leaving the properties in limbo.
Challenges for Municipalities
Local governments face significant hurdles in managing abandoned properties, especially when ownership reverts to the state. The process for addressing privately owned blighted properties involves code enforcement assessments, public hearings, and potential remediation at the city’s expense. Unfortunately, many municipalities lack the upfront funds required for such initiatives, and recouping costs from absentee owners proves difficult.
State-owned properties present additional complications. Representative Shanda Yates of Jackson highlighted issues with the current tax sale system: “Right now, the way that properties are sold at tax sale is: you have your tax sale, if someone purchases the property or taxes, there’s a two-year redemption period,” Yates said. “During that two-year redemption period, nothing can be done to the property. Nobody can go in and clean it up or maintain it, tear down any dilapidated structure – essentially nothing.”
This prolonged uncertainty often results in properties remaining in a state of disrepair, contributing to community blight and posing safety hazards.
Legislative Efforts and Proposed Solutions
Recognizing the severity of the issue, Mississippi lawmakers have introduced several bills aimed at breaking the cycle of abandonment and facilitating property revitalization.
- House Bill 1198 proposes that if a purchaser of delinquent taxes declines the deed after the redemption period, ownership would transfer to the state, placing the property under the management of the Secretary of State’s Office.
- House Bill 1199 seeks to authorize the Secretary of State’s Office to utilize proceeds from the sale of tax-forfeited properties for the maintenance of other state-owned, previously forfeited properties, thereby alleviating the financial burden on local governments.
- House Bill 1201 introduces tax incentives for developers who invest in state-owned, tax-forfeited properties. Yates emphasized the importance of making such investments financially viable: “We know that there are housing developers that would be interested in coming in and buying chunks of property and building affordable housing,” she noted. “An average house, from what we’ve been told, would cost about $150,000 to build. Unfortunately, in the current market and in the current areas where the housing is needed, it’s not going to sell for $150,000 – probably closer to $95,000… So, the tax incentives would allow the developer to remain whole.”
Additionally, the Mississippi Municipal League advocates for the establishment of a Property Cleanup Revolving Fund, as outlined in House Bill 733 and Senate Bill 2023. This fund would provide $5 million in low-interest loans for larger cities and grants for smaller municipalities to address blighted properties.
Community Initiatives and Partnerships
Beyond legislative measures, local communities and organizations are taking proactive steps to combat blight. The Great City Mississippi Foundation has formed a Blight Elimination Task Force, collaborating with city, county, state, and nonprofit leaders to strategically reduce blighted properties, particularly in high-population neighborhoods and commercial centers.
In Jackson, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has prioritized blight reduction. In 2017, the city announced a partnership with the Secretary of State’s Office aimed at addressing blighted areas in the capital. This collaboration seeks to streamline processes and allocate resources more effectively to tackle the pervasive issue of abandoned properties.
Conclusion
The crisis of abandoned homes in Mississippi is a multifaceted challenge requiring coordinated efforts from state legislators, local governments, community organizations, and residents. By addressing legal complexities, providing financial incentives, and fostering community partnerships, Mississippi aims to transform blighted properties into opportunities for growth and revitalization, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
