03-05-2025
City targeting blighted properties
CATLETTSBURG After recently implementing a tax increase on blighted properties, the City of Catlettsburg will begin compiling a list of deteriorating real estate as their next action in cracking down on neglected areas.
Council members referred to several locations in need of attention during a special-called meeting on Thursday evening, specifically downtown and off U.S. 23.
As councilwoman Susan Campbell inquired about utilizing eminent domain, city attorney Sonny Martin said some properties of concern had already been cited or were in the process of litigation, anticipating default judgement against non-responding property owners could open the door for the city to begin demolition or clean up efforts.
While no action related to blighted properties was taken just yet, Mayor Faith Day instructed council members to compile a list of addresses they were concerned about or were made aware of by citizen complaints.
Day said after compiling the addresses, the city could begin looking into title searches and issuing more citations when necessary.
The discussion of vacant or blighted properties downtown led the council to the topic of utilizing Kentucky Heritage Council's Main Street Program, which could allow grant monies to fix up properties on the historic registry.
Councilman Randy Salyers said he was under the impression the city was already listed as a participant in the Main Street program.
Councilwoman Mindy Stanley said from her understanding, participants of the program had to be admitted through their local government, but documentation wasn't signed off by Mayor Day, resulting in the city not being in good standing with the organization's requirements.
The council as a whole appeared to be unsure if Main Street participation would require funds from the local government or whether Catlettsburg was a listed participant, and if not, whether they could fix the city's standings with the organization for admission.
According to Kentucky Heritage Council's website: 'Main Street efforts can be initiated by anyone in the community, not just the local municipality. Citizens interested in finding ways to create more sustainable solutions to downtown development can begin to participate and work with their local partners including local government and slowly build the capacity to apply to be a Main Street community. Communities should reach out to the state office to obtain information on the program and the application process which includes an in person presentation by the community.'
Despite the discussion, no action was taken on the matter.
In other happenings from Thursday:
• Councilwoman Rose Marcum was designated Mayor Pro-Tem due to receiving the highest vote count in the previous election.
Marcum will serve in the mayor's capacity in the event Day is not present.
• Mayor Day said she had hired an employee in a clerical role at city hall on a seasonal basis, adding she is waiting to bring the employee before the council for hire on a full-time basis following the completion of municipal clerk training this summer.
Stanley said the city had been without an official clerk for over a year.
Susan Maddix, City Clerk for Ashland, is currently serving as interim city clerk.
