State, Hinds demolish abandoned properties
Parts of blighted neighborhoods surrounding Lanier High School are being turned into green space and other public uses by the state and Hinds County governments.
Demolition began Tuesday on the first of these houses, 906 Maple St., a tax-forfeited property recently given to the county by the state. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said it was one of 39 tax-forfeited parcels identified in that area by his office that could be converted to public use.
Hosemann, who has been promoting statewide an effort to get tax forfeitures back in use, said he was approached by District 5 Supervisor Kenneth Stokes recently about clearing out the abandoned homes near Lanier. After walking the area, Hosemann said he was sold on the idea, and agreed to partner with Hinds County on a project to replace the run-down buildings with something positive.
Clarion Ledger
8/1/12
Magnolia Tribune
