Leaders to discuss blight tax on properties in Clayton County [Video]

JONESBORO, Ga. — Clayton County is cracking down on the owners of abandoned and rundown buildings.

Buildings like the one on the corner of Tara Boulevard and Route 138 inspired the “Blight Tax,” which was officially presented as the Community Improvement Tax Incentive program and brought before the Clayton County Commission earlier this month.

The idea is to tax property owners at a higher rate until they bring their properties up to code.

“It’s an eyesore and sits right on the corner,” resident Meia Ballinger said.

Ballinger has lived in Clayton County for 14 years, and for 14 years, she says the abandoned, dilapidated gas station has been a problem.

“If you’re traveling down this road, Tara Boulevard daily to go to work or whatever you’ve got to do, you’ve got to …