The Brookhaven Housing Authority has issued a statement on the Brookwood Apartments property that was destroyed by fire in 2023.

On Feb. 26, 2023, fire spread rapidly through the Brookwood Housing Development on East Chippewa Street. The flames destroyed most of the 30-unit complex, which was home to 28 residents.

In April 2024, the Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office completed its investigation, ruling the cause to be “undetermined.” The exact cause could not be determined due to the extent of the damage. The site had to remain as it was until investigations by law enforcement, attorneys, and fire officials had been completed.

This week, BHA Executive Director Jeffrey S. Adams spoke about where the process is at this time for the charred structure that remains.

“At this time, we remain actively engaged in final discussions with our insurance carrier to resolve outstanding matters,” Adams said. “Once an agreement is reached, we will promptly proceed with the necessary steps, including demolition and redevelopment of the Brookwood units.”

“While progress has been slower than anticipated, we remain optimistic that the process will advance more quickly in the near future,” he said.

Mayor Joe Cox clarified that the City of Brookhaven is eager to see the property cleaned and new units built, but does not own the property, has no authority to clean it, and does not control the Housing Authority’s funding.

“We are confident that the BHA has acted with a sense of urgency and understand that insurance talks take time, while realizing the SFMO closed the case only 9 months ago,” said Cox. “The BHA is aware of the top-priority redevelopment of the units, and will no doubt move expeditiously once final discussions have concluded.”