When it says 'KOP' - they mean it
Postings part of clean up, reducing structures criminals might use
By SHARON KERR Staff Writer

Newsboy photo/ Charles Kerr BROKEN GLASS is all boarded up now, and posted KOP.

"Tidbits" hasn't been a bit tidy since before Hurricane Rita blew through. You may have noticed that the old store on Houston St. across from Jasper Junior High was becoming more of an eyesore and a danger to curious children.

Now it is boarded up and sports a day-glo warning poster, evidence of the KOP program in action, according to Stephen Williamson, who serves the city of Jasper as Fire Marshal and code compliance officer.

KOP means Keep Off Property, and is a joint effort of the Jasper Police Department and Williamson. The fire marshal's office posts KOP notices on dilapidated and unsecured property like the old store or abandoned houses.

"The immediate result is that police officers are able to take enforcement actions when people are found on the properties," Williamson said. "The long-term effect is that property owners are being identified and action is being taken on unsafe structures."

Williamson said it's a joint effort to reduce crime by reducing the places a criminal might use. KOP is the local emphasis of the National Vacant Properties Campaign.

Williamson said he estimates that onefourth of the city has been inspected so far, "on a house-by-house basis."

KOP has identified 74 structures as unsafe for occupancy. Of those, 12 owners have made contact and are either working or preparing to begin work on the structures.

The program was presented to the Jasper City Council on Monday, April 14.

"One common myth that seems to be believed by many is that the city takes possession of property when it does work on it," Williamson said, but that's not true.

The purpose of posting a notice is to allow the owner time to correct a problem, and if that does not happen, the city will do the work and bill the owner for services.

If payment is not received, state law allows the city to place a lien against the property, and that lien incurs seven percent interest.

Williamson said one man whose property was posted said he "was glad I was mean because even though it cost him money, the end result is he has a nice house to live in."

"Tidbits" owner hasn't been as helpful. When the property owner, who lives in Houston, failed to take action, the city boarded up the windows and has since filed a lien against the property for lack of payment for the service.

"My office is still working on getting the tall weeds and grass abated," Williamson said, and that will likely result in more charges against the property.

For more information, or to report a suspected hazard, call the fire marshal's office, 384-4651, ext. 112.