Jefferson City weighing options on deteriorating homes

Jefferson City is commonly recognized as one of America’s most beautiful small towns.

However, one neighborhood has caught the attetion of city officials.

Some of the buildings on East Capitol Ave. are not only an eyesore, they’re also dangerous.

Some houses are fenced off from pedestrians due to structural problems, and all the houses are tagged with a sign reading no trespassing.

It was put there by city planning and protective services.

Jefferson City’s mayor told ABC 17 News Friday that it started with a citation against the property owner of all the buildings.

After months of non-compliance, city officials are now looking at other options.

Mayor Carrie Tergin said she has even begun taking legal steps to get the properties in to the hands of someone who will better maintain them.

“It’s one property owner, multiple properties and it’s been happening for years, and they’ve really fallen into such a state of disrepair. To stand there and see porches and roofs caved in and there’s the Capitol over your shoulder is just a complete wrong situation for our city.”

ABC 17 reached out to the property owner through several phone numbers Friday, but our calls were not answered or returned.