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Vacant Westside Home Sparks Safety Fears and Frustration Among Neighbors

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 20:05 GMT by Action News Jax

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Vacant Westside Home Sparks Safety Fears and Frustration Among Neighbors

A derelict house on Jacksonville’s Westside has become a focal point of community anxiety, drawing criticism from residents, local officials and the city’s planning department. The home—an unoccupied, two‑story bungalow at 1245 Pine Street—has stood vacant for the past year and a half, its peeling paint, broken windows and overgrown yard creating an eyesore and a potential hazard for the neighborhood.

A History of Neglect

The property was purchased in 2017 by former U.S. Army sergeant Mike Thompson. Thompson, who now lives in the downtown area, sold the home after being unable to keep up with the maintenance and tax obligations that accompany homeownership. According to county records, the house’s assessed value is $245,000, but its actual condition has prompted neighbors to label it a “blight” on the streetscape.

After the sale, the house was left unoccupied. Residents in the surrounding block have reported that the building was used sporadically for storage, and at least one tenant left behind a significant amount of clutter and broken appliances. As the house fell into disrepair, the exterior paint began to blister, and the roof developed leaks that allow water damage into the interior. The lack of upkeep has turned the once pleasant block into a scene of neglect, with weeds choked into the garden and a sagging fence lining the property.

Safety Concerns Rise

The most pressing issue, however, is safety. Neighbors have voiced their fears that the vacant property could attract trespassers, vandals, and potentially drug users. “We’ve seen people walk in and out of the house during the night,” says Rebecca Alvarez, a resident of 1251 Pine Street. “It’s a big concern for the kids in the area. There’s a chance that it could be used for illegal activities, and we’re not sure how the city will respond.”

City Police Officer Javier Morales confirmed that there have been a handful of minor incidents in the last six months, including graffiti, broken windows, and occasional loitering. He added that the police have kept a presence in the neighborhood but are limited in resources to conduct nightly patrols.

The house’s state has also become a safety hazard. The roof’s condition raises the potential for a collapse, particularly after the heavy rains that Jacksonville experiences in early spring. Residents like Eddie Brooks fear that a sudden roof collapse could cause injuries or damage to neighboring homes. “I’ve seen people fall from roofs when we’re working on the yard,” Brooks says. “This house is a ticking time bomb.”

The City’s Response

The City of Jacksonville’s Planning & Zoning Department has acknowledged the concerns. Planning Director Susan Lee told local media that the city has a process in place to handle vacant properties, but the speed of action often depends on the property’s ownership status and the level of community engagement.

“We’re looking into whether a demolition permit can be issued,” Lee said. “We can also consider rehabilitation if the owner is willing to work with the city to bring the house back to code.” However, the city’s legal counsel pointed out that the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain the property still lies with Mike Thompson, even though he is no longer in possession of the house. In this situation, the city can request that the owner pay back taxes and fees, or it can seek a court order to take possession of the property for demolition.

A recent court order—Jacksonville Circuit Court, Case No. 2024‑CV‑987—granted the city a temporary injunction to demolish the property due to “substantial neglect” and “public safety concerns.” The injunction, however, is set to expire in a few months, prompting residents to push for an expedited demolition or rehabilitation plan.

The city also engaged the Jacksonville Neighborhood Watch, a volunteer group that tracks and reports suspicious activity. The Watch has issued a call for residents to file a report of any illegal activity or vandalism on the property. They have also organized a neighborhood meeting to discuss potential solutions, such as a “Community Clean‑Up Day,” where residents could work with the city’s public works to remove debris and install temporary fencing around the site.

Community Frustration

Neighbors are not only concerned about safety, but also about the emotional toll of living next to a derelict structure. “It’s hard to see this house standing there for years,” says Lena Kim. “It’s like a scar on the neighborhood.” The psychological impact is real; property values in the area have already started to dip, according to a recent appraisal report from the local real estate agency Jackson & Co..

Neighborhood groups have started a petition, with over 600 signatures, urging the city to take decisive action. The petition’s co‑signer, Jordan Patel, notes that “the city needs to be proactive.” The petition also requests a public hearing where residents can voice concerns and demand action.

Potential Solutions

There are several options on the table. Demolition is the most straightforward route, though it can be costly. The city estimates demolition of a two‑story structure would cost roughly $25,000. The process would involve securing a demolition permit, hiring a licensed contractor, and ensuring proper disposal of asbestos or other hazardous materials.

Alternatively, rehabilitation would involve cleaning up the property, repairing structural issues, and bringing it up to code. Some local nonprofits, such as the Westside Home Redevelopment Initiative (WHRI), have expressed interest in partnering with the city and private donors to transform the vacant house into a community asset—perhaps a community center or a low‑income housing unit.

Another possibility is to place the property in a “tax‑delinquent” status that would allow the city to foreclose on the property, assuming the owner fails to pay the back taxes. Once the city acquires the property, it could then proceed with demolition or rehabilitation.

What Residents Can Do

While the city works through the legal and logistical hoops, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity on the property to the police. The city also urges neighbors to keep the property’s exterior tidy by removing trash and weeds. This simple step can help reduce the risk of crime and make the property less attractive to vandals.

Neighbors are also invited to attend the upcoming community meeting, slated for next Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Westside Community Center. The meeting will provide a forum for residents to discuss concerns, share ideas, and ask questions about the city’s plan for the vacant house.

Looking Forward

The vacant Westside home’s future remains uncertain. Yet the community’s response highlights a larger trend: neighborhoods across the country are confronting the problems of neglected properties, which can undermine safety, security, and community pride. Jacksonville’s handling of this situation will serve as a case study for how municipal governments can balance legal responsibilities, public safety, and community engagement when dealing with blighted properties.

If the city takes swift action—whether by demolition or rehabilitation—it could restore confidence in the neighborhood, protect residents from potential hazards, and ultimately improve the area’s overall livability. For now, the vacant house at 1245 Pine Street stands as a reminder that neglected properties can cast a long shadow over a community, but also a catalyst for collective action and change.