Neglected property is just as big of a problem as litter

I was wrong and I’m glad of it. Back in May I wrote that most of us living today would never witness a settlement between Corbin and London on the annexation of the property along Interstate 75, adjacent to Exit 29.

Don Estep is publisher of the News Journal.

Surprise! Last week the London City Council dropped its attempt to annex properties in southern Laurel County near Exit 29.

I really like what the two mayors of Corbin and London had to say about the decision.

London Mayor Randall Weddle said,”This is a great thing. It’s finally London and Corbin partnering after years and years… we’re getting rid of the high school rivalry (mentality) and the two cities are becoming one.”

Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus said she was “really happy” with the decision.”It’s such a lost opportunity to have wasted time, legal fees and hard feelings… but we can really prosper the region together.”

This is such great news. The potential for growth that will benefit both cities is now a possibility!

• As I left our office last Tuesday evening, I was amazed at the number of vehicles parked along Main Street and in the parking lots on Depot Street. Then it hit me. These are visitors to our town for the SOAR Summit at the Corbin Arena having dinner at the local restaurants. Corbin Mayor Razmus told me there were over 1,300 attending the event.

She and others worked hard to bring the Summit back to Corbin again this year. Think of the benefits, not only for those attending the event, but also for the town. It is huge.

But when we have visitors to our town it bothers me that there are property owners along Main Street that have let their property become an eyesore. I can look out my office window and see buildings that need a power washing and/or a coat of paint.

I write often about our litter problem, but the number of buildings that are in need of demolition and/or renovation probably outweigh the litter problem. However, it is much more difficult to deal with property owners than to pick up litter. In some ways the law is on the side off the property owner, or the legal entanglements are such that little can be done about the situations.

I noticed some complaints, accompanied by photos, voiced this week on the social media about neglected property. Some time back I had a discussion with a code enforcement member, and he told me how difficult it was to remove these eyesores.

I live in a Homeowners Association location that has rules and regulations. It is worth paying a fee to see that property upkeep is required, but even with the rules sometimes an owner may get out of line.

In our case it is difficult, but much easier to deal with than what the city has to deal with.  It is easy to say, “make them do it,” but getting eyesores removed is very difficult, sometimes almost impossible.

However, for those who own buildings on Main Street or other high traffic areas that are in disrepair, there is no excuse for letting the property become an eyesore.

It is inspiring to see the improvements that have been made by several business owners on Main Street. They are in the ‘WOW’ factor. If only the few others would follow their lead. If only!