Hopkinsville City Council approved the Lot Next Door program and awarded officers with the Hopkinsville Police Department and the Hopkinsville Fire Department a commendation.
HPD Lt. Shannon Wells and firefighter Jason Hale were awarded a commendation by the City of Hopkinsville for actions taken months ago—Chief Clayton Sumner read a letter from a man who was once homeless, who said thanks to the help from Wells and Hale, he was able to get a home for Christmas, and turn his life around. Both Chief Sumner and Fire Chief Steve Futrell say these two men are just one example of the dedication and service officers and fire fighters bring to the community on a daily basis.
Mayor Wendell Lynch says the city intends to follow the updated guidelines from the CDC and the state about wearing face masks and other COVID-19 restrictions.
Council approved the implementation of the Lot Next Door program unanimously—with councilmembers Alethea West, Terry Parker, Tom Johnson and Patricia Bell not present at Tuesday’s meeting—which authorizes the mayor and Chief Administrative Office Troy Body to initiate legal action and release liens as needed to facilitate the program. The program is intended to transition vacant or unmaintained lots to new ownership through a year-long ‘sweat equity’ process.
Interested residents could become the owner of a lot attached to their existing property, following a 12-month period during which the individual was responsible for the upkeep of that lot. The participation fee is $25 and the application fee is $175, with applications to soon become available through the City of Hopkinsville.