Citizens learned more about the Lot Next Door Program, the Hopkinsville and Christian County Land Bank Authority, code enforcement and how those programs support the city’s “Growing Home Initiative” at Monday’s Town Hall meeting.
The Lot Next Door Program serves to clean up and put vacant lots back into productive use. If a property owner is neighboring a vacant lot, then they can apply to gain ownership of the abandoned lot with plans to take care of the property.
In 2023, City Chief Financial Officer, Melissa Clayton says it cost the city $206,000 to take care of abandoned properties. Clayton says those interested in obtaining a neighboring vacant property can fill out a program application.
Once the program receives the application, they will survey the lot and contact the owner to see if they would be willing to donate the lot, but if they are not then the city can possibly foreclose it. The property will then be transferred to the Land Bank Authority and they will maintain ownership of it for a year before the applicant can receive the deed for it.
The Land Bank Authority serves to take vacant properties and convert them into tax revenue producing properties by making them into spaces for public use.
Holly Boggess from Community and Development Services says those interested in obtaining property for development can sign up to receive updates when new properties become available.
In September 2023 Boggess says the authority had around 40 properties and since August 2024 they are down to 14 properties that have yet to be officially obtained through new ownership.
In 2024, the Hopkinsville Fire Department took over code enforcement duties and Fire Marshal Payton Rogers says the top code violations they come across are a lack of property maintenance, overgrown grass, abandoned vehicles and excess and exterior garbage.
Rogers says he wants to foster better relationships with the community so people know that code enforcement officers are working to make neighborhoods cleaner and safer.
Following the presentations, attendees got to share their questions and concerns surrounding city matters. Alley maintenance was a hot topic, and many folks asked if it was the city’s responsibility or the responsibility of those living along the alley to ensure they did not become overgrown.
After hearing the concerns, Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight says the city will look into to keeping alleyways in the city maintained. Knight says he understands the frustration surrounding the topic because he inherited a home from his father that is along an alley.
Those who missed the town hall meeting series can still listen to what was talked about on the Here in Hoptown Podcast.