Long-standing blight along one of Jackson’s main thoroughfares, Highway 80, is set for a major cleanup. Decaying structures, including the old Gipson grocery store and the former Coca Cola distribution plant, are slated for demolition in the coming months.
For years, businesses like Al’s Bail Bonds have struggled with the surrounding neglect. Katherine Windom, a staff member at the bail bond company, described the hazardous conditions, noting the presence of raw sewage and homeless individuals frequenting the area. Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley expressed optimism about the upcoming changes. He believes these efforts are a step toward revitalizing the Highway 80 corridor, a potential economic boon for the city.
The cleanup initiative is supported by a $250,000 allocation from lawmakers. This funding is part of a broader strategy, driven by an abandoned properties task force co-created by Hartley and Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote, to address blight across Jackson.
Pending legislation could further aid these efforts. Three active bills in the Legislature aim to streamline the process for handling tax-forfeited properties, giving the Secretary of State’s office more flexibility. House Bill 1198 proposes reducing the time for property turnover, House Bill 1199 would allow use of Land Records Maintenance funds for cleanup, and House Bill 1201 seeks to create tax incentives for developers.
Katherine Windom is hopeful about the potential impact of these measures. “We don’t want people to move, but we want individuals to feel safe coming into Jackson. Jackson has the potential to be great,” she said.
