JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Some Jackson residents and businesses are concerned about squatters, property value and safety.

Jackson leaders said they’re looking for solutions when it comes to demolishing buildings and cleaning up vacant lots across the city.

Councilman Vernon Hartley, Ward 5, said he received a call about an abandoned property on Tuesday. He said it’s more than just an eyesore in the neighborhood.

“Last month, 60 properties were deemed a public health hazard and then only about five were cleaned up. So, we’re not winning this war,” he said.

Hartley said it’s about retention. He said homeowners deserve some type of relief, but the issue is that the city does not have enough funding.

“Because of the uncertainty, you have squatters there, vagrants that that, you know, break into these properties, stay there. They scare the local citizens, the nearby folks, and the neighbors that live there. So, it undermines the quality of life for the citizens, and it undermines the property values for those the citizens who have made long-term investments in the City of Jackson,” said Councilman Ashby Foote, Ward 1.

Leaders are looking for different ways to fund projects to restore Jackson.

“Let’s look at doing those things that can guarantee a quality, a better quality of life for our citizens. Higher property values and stronger neighborhoods, those are the things that we should be concerned about,” stated Hartley.

So far in May 2024, 42 properties were deemed public health hazards. Hartley said only two of them were cleaned up.