City sees progress in property cleanups

The City of Holly Springs is stepping up enforcement against owners of dilapidated properties.

That was the message Zoning Director Pamela Lewis delivered to the Holly Springs Rotary Club on Wednesday, Oct. 14, during its weekly meeting at Rust College.

“It’s not an easy task, but the city is working, and we’re seeing some progress,” Lewis said, emphasizing that addressing blighted properties is critical not only for aesthetics but also for community safety.

Municipal ordinances provide a framework to ensure the city follows proper legal guidelines, she noted. However, tracking down property owners is often a lengthy process. Once a formal notification letter is sent, owners are given a set window to remedy code violations before municipal officials intervene. The enforcement process frequently requires legal action, and some cleanup orders ultimately advance to court.

Lewis said the effort centers on civic pride, adding that clearing dilapidated structures and overgrown lots fosters a safer, more positive environment for residents and visitors alike.