JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Demolition began on Tuesday for the abandoned Casa Grande apartment complex in Jackson.

The complex has been vacant since 2014, making it susceptible to illegal dumping, fires and vagrants. Leaders aid the demolition project will cost taxpayers around $200,000.

City officials hope the project will help push legislation for a land bank that would allow for a public-private partnership in acquiring the property.

“This is a prime opportunity to lift up our legislative agenda for a land bank. Right? Because a land bank allows communities to more proactively enforce the quality-of-life standards that we want to see around them. And we want to do so without criminalizing poverty, but we want to give the community some power, some influence over these matters. And currently, they don’t have it,” said Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba.

The Rental Registry ordinance stated that landlords must stay in code compliance to lower the risk of future dilapidated buildings. Officials said they’re continuing to make strides in the removal of buildings in depleted conditions.

“People have to understand that you can’t come and rent out property, use Jackson as a cash cow, you know, and then not keep your building up in compliance,” said Councilman Aaron Banks, Ward 6.

The people, who run an automotive repair shop near the Casa Grande apartment complex, said they’re glad they won’t have to look at the abandoned building anymore.

“I’m so thankful. They’re proud to have this tour down and proud to have this community getting back on the right track and getting cleaned up. It’s just a blessing to finally have it done,” said Jermichael Griffin, a manager at Express Care Automotive.