<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3iW6AP_14nyZ4L400" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3iW6AP_14nyZ4L400" width="1200" height="600" >LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - The City of Laurel is looking to create a new ordinance when it comes to vacant commercial properties and vacant commercial lots.Laurel leaders are showing great concern for vacant properties and lots surrounding the city.“They’re just sitting there vacant and idle,” said Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee.That’s the last thing that not only city government leaders want but business leaders, too.“As a city, we’re all trying to work together to see growth and progress,” said Caroline Burks, Laurel Main Street executive director.The Laurel City Council approved the first ordinance reading on Tuesday morning to enforce a registry of vacant commercial properties and lots.The registry is for properties in the Downtown Central Business District and 16th Avenue.Leaders said this new ordinance is not going to affect business owners and building owners who are trying to make improvements.This registration would be for buildings that are just sitting empty in either location.The goal: Get the vacancies filled.“People are interested in purchasing for business purposes, but the owners won’t sell the property,” said Magee. “They just let it sit there and grow up.”Magee said the inspection department will be in charge of identifying the properties and sending a notice to the owner letting them know about the new registry.“They have to pay a registration fee,” Magee said. “They have to keep the buildings secure and they have to actively try to lease them or sell them.”Initial registration for commercial structures will be $1,100, while vacant lot registration will be $500.After registration, owners will have to pay annual fees depending on the property. Failure to register will result in a late fee. Owners could also be fined.“We’re hoping that these business owners don’t see it as something meant to punish because it’s not,” said Burks. “It’s just an encouragement to continue the progress that we’re seeing down here.“The inspection department just wants to know that something is being done.”The second reading for the ordinance will be voted on at the next city council meeting on Oct. 7.Want more WDAM 7 news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.</div></body>

Block Source: WDAM-TV

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - The City of Laurel is looking to create a new ordinance when it comes to vacant commercial properties and vacant commercial lots. Laurel leaders are showing great concern for vacant properties and lots surrounding the city. “They’re just sitting there vacant and idle,” said Laurel Mayor...

Laurel looks to create registry for vacant commercial properties

NewsBreak

LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - The City of Laurel is looking to create a new ordinance when it comes to vacant commercial properties and vacant commercial lots. La

Laurel looks to create registry for vacant commercial properties

Comments