Many public efforts to beautify Brookhaven have been undertaken in recent times – much to the betterment of the community – but private attention to appearances has largely been left to property owners.

     In an effort to spur necessary action by individuals, Brookhaven aldermen and other officials have, as they have in years past, developed a list of neglected, overgrown or otherwise unsightly properties in need of cleanup.

     The city recently published public notices in The DAILY LEADER notifying owners of 21 such properties of a public hearing before Tuesday’s regular board of aldermen meeting. If things play out as they have in the past, a handful of the notified property owners will appear, while most will stay away.

     Those who appear, city officials say, will be given a chance to explain their situations and likely get 45 more days to clean up their property. If past practices hold, those who do not show up could have only 30 more days before the city acts.

     City action involves the street department moving in on the targeted property to clean it up and charge the owner for the work. Failure to pay could result in a city lien against the property.

     Now is the time where the public can influence the private sector.

     Hopefully, the current actions by public officials will spur the private property owners to act.

     Equally important in the alternative, though, will be other members of the public watching to make sure their elected officials follow through on their plans to act if the property owners do not.

     Without action – either by the property owner or by city leaders – all the public notices, hearings and other talks will be for nothing. Community appearances will be no better than before and could certainly get worse.