City of Vicksburg adds old Harrah’s to neglected property list

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The City of Vicksburg held a hearing Monday, Nov. 17, to review a list of properties which violated the city ordinances on maintenance. Included on the list was a portion of the old Harrah’s Casino which passes over Levee Street and connects to The Mulberry.

The other listed properties listed street numbers in the addresses to designate the properties in violation; however, the description on the list in reference to the property simply listed the property as “Levee Street”.

Vicksburg Code Enforcer Jeff Richardson explained this was due to the property not having an address and only being listed as a parcel number on tax documents and deed information.

“When Harrah’s closed and they tore down sections, the property was parceled and because there are no entrances for emergencies, the location was only assigned a pin and parcel number instead of an actual street address,” he said.

The overpass directly connects to the back side of The Mulberry, a Vicksburg landmark which serves as a hotel and longterm stay facility. New manager and long time resident of Vicksburg Tim DeRossette said The Mulberry does not have connections to the neglected property on Levee Street.

“The Mulberry extends as far as the rotunda, but there is a wall in place beyond that. We don’t have access to that portion,” said DeRossette. “I’d love to have it though. There is a lot of potential that could be done with it.”

The City’s Community Development Agenda requires property owners to keep weeds and grass maintained. If in violation, the city may send city workers or contract workers to the sites to maintain or demolish if needed and charge the owner the cost plus a 25 percent penalty in addition to placing a tax lien on the properties.

There were no parties present representing any of the properties to contest adding the properties to the nuisance list.

The file showing the latest additions to the list can be found below.

The packets showing the photos and letters provided to the property owners can be found below.