Jackson Free Press

A couple of weeks into his new career as mayor of Jackson, Frank Melton issued an executive order saying he would "evacuate, close down and tear down" the Maple Street apartments—also called the Jackson Apartments—at 1129 Maple St. in Georgetown. Days later, Melton said he'd since ascertained that he does not have sole authority to close down an apartment complex, and said he was willing to work with residents and complex owners in renovating the buildings.

"I did learn that according to the law I have to give a 30-day notice, but I am publicly taking exception with that law in the media," Melton said at a press conference Monday. He explained that child hazards existed on the property in the form of abandoned "refrigerators" and "freezers," which were capable of trapping and suffocating small children.

Determined to keep their homes, apartment residents began a feverish cleaning endeavor to meet Melton's demands. "We're cleaning out the apartments, and we're building up now," said apartment manager Laura Gibson, who said she helped orchestrate the agreement with Melton. "(Melton) had a list of what we needed to do and we're doing it."

The air outside the main office is alive with the sounds of electric saws as construction workers cut wide planks of plywood for use in boarding up some of the more dilapidated of the buildings. Gibson says the current owner is paying for materials and some professional labor, though many residents are volunteering in "a joint effort."

The complex of about 200 units, owned by Moore Enterprises LLC, is a spot of considerable dilapidation. Though there is fresh plywood in many doorways and windows, many windows are still devoid of glass, and water damage is apparent on both the outside and dark interiors of some buildings. Sheets hang in lieu of curtains in many of the occupied windows. Even windows sporting the occasional curious face are spider-webbed with broken glass. Fire has destroyed one section of the complex, which remains closed.

Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes said no one should be getting evicted from the apartments, whether or not the tenants meet Melton's demands. "Even if the city is unhappy with the work done, the city always has to have due process. We learned that through the Town Creek situation," Stokes told the Jackson Free Press, recalling a lawsuit against the city during a similar situation. "The city can start some type of procedure, but I don't think at the end of 30 days, there'll be anybody getting evicted."

Stokes said the owner is looking to sell the property and that a deal hopefully would be closing this week with a new owner, which Gibson would not name.

Melton said at a July 25 press conference, "We will refurbish the Maple Street Apartments under new ownership" and expressed pride at the determination of the Maple Street Complex residents.

Previous Comments

ID

64625

Comment

Melton...expressed pride at the determination of the Maple Street Complex residents. Yeah, there was determination all right. They were determined not to be homeless!

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2005-07-27T22:13:52-06:00

ID

64626

Comment

"Determined to keep their homes, apartment residents began a feverish cleaning endeavor" Why did this determination remain dormant for so long?

Author

K RHODES

Date

2005-07-28T14:40:32-06:00

ID

64627

Comment

Why did this determination remain dormant for so long? I think this is what got them started: ìWeíre cleaning out the apartments, and weíre building up now,î said apartment manager Laura Gibson, who said she helped orchestrate the agreement with Melton. ì(Melton) had a list of what we needed to do and weíre doing it.î I think Ms. Gibson simply permitted them to do it. You can't do whatever you want with property you do not own.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2005-07-28T15:16:51-06:00

ID

64628

Comment

L.W. -- "I think this is what got them started: ìWeíre cleaning out the apartments, and weíre building up now,î said apartment manager Laura Gibson, who said she helped orchestrate the agreement with Melton. ì(Melton) had a list of what we needed to do and weíre doing it.î I think Ms. Gibson simply permitted them to do it. You can't do whatever you want with property you do not own." I am aware that the tenants do not own the property, but I donít believe the manager would have protested the residents doing this sooner.

Author

K RHODES

Date

2005-07-29T14:49:00-06:00