TIFTON — Residents of Tift County voiced their concerns about a dilapidated property just across their street at the most recent board of commissioners meeting.

Members of the Lake Say Hi community approached the board Oct. 3 displeased with the status of a property on Lake Say Hi Drive, and asked the county to condemn the land.

Elayne Cook reported that the property had been purchased by DW Resources around three to five years ago, and had been left to gradually deteriorate since, becoming overgrown and rundown.

Cook explained that she has spoken to community development director Chris Davis about the property and is aware the planning and zoning committee has asked the property owner to clean up the land, but reported that it has remained relatively untouched.

She attested that she and the other residents of Lake Say Hi Drive work to maintain their properties, and felt the lack of maintenance to this property was a disrespect to their efforts.

Jean Sparks, another resident of the area, stated that the property was an eyesore as well, and reported that she has spoken directly with the owner about the state of the property, but felt he cared little about its condition. She also reported that the owner had refused to fix a bridge taken out by a tree on his property in a storm a few weeks ago.

Concerns were also raised over a possible leaking septic system and the effect it could have on the surrounding community.

County manager Jim Carter reported that Davis had sent a thirty-day notice the property owner Sep. 20 to fix up his property and properly maintain it. Davis also stated that he had informed the owner of the overgrown vegetation on the property and that he would need to board up the door of the building, due to there being evidence of it having been kicked in.

Davis reported that if nothing is done to the property, or progress on restoring the area is deemed insufficient, the property owner will be given a court summons for the matter to be settled in magistrate court.