City Council Hears Concerns about Yum Yum’s Site

JACKSONVILLE — Business owners and others in Jacksonville continue looking for answers. After first raising the question earlier this summer, they still want to know why the old Yum Yum’s Restaurant site has not been completely cleared. The eatery was destroyed by fire in April. According to KETK, people voiced their concerns again at Tuesday’s city council meeting. Many believe the council is not willing to work with them. Some accuse the council of not acting in the public’s best interest.

The city’s position remains the same: what’s left of the building is private property. Mayor Kenneth Melvin says, “We would be spending taxpayer dollars to enhance the property of an individual, and when you’re talking about asbestos you’re talking maybe 75-80 thousand dollars.” Business owners say if improvements are made it will not only help that property, but the entire area. Mayor Melvin says it is the responsibility of the property owner, not the city.