Lost in the shuffle of news involving politics and sports, the Sikeston Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority is quietly undertaking the task of removing eyesore properties from Sikeston. Following action this week, LCRA hopes to see as many as 18 derelict properties come down in the next couple of weeks. Many more will follow.
When the dust clears about two years from now, LCRA may have leveled as many as 300 problem properties from our community. It's a slower process than we had initially imagined but the end result will surely be worth the wait.
If you don't pay attention, you may not even noticed the results from this communitywide effort. Where eyesores once stood now provides a clean, clear vacant lot that may well someday make room for new housing. But first our task is to remove the problem properties. And there seems to be no shortage of those in our community.
The public overwhelmingly approved funding for this effort and now the results are beginning to show. Once completed, LCRA will touch virtually every neighborhood. We can't wait!
It's my understanding that the LCRA has formally requested additional financial support from the Scott County Commission and the Sikeston Housing Authority. We sincerely hope those two groups are receptive to these needs and recognize the positive impact their support could provide. Especially from the county's standpoint, those leaders need to recognize that our housing issues and the problems they bring are part of an overall issue within the county.
All too often, if the public doesn't see instant progress it's easy to find fault with a program. But the removal of these properties is a lengthy process and will not change the face of our community overnight. Rest assured, over time these improvements will be one of the more drastic and positive changes in our history.
We commend the city and the LCRA for their progress. And we support their continued efforts to expand this important program.