CAIRO — A Cairo resident sought a solution to what he called an “eyesore” visible from his residence and to all of downtown Cairo but city officials did not act on his appeal. 

David Miller, 27 4th Ave. SW, addressed the Cairo City Council Monday night regarding an appeal to a zoning issue. 

After discussion, Mayor Booker Gainor called for a motion on the appeal. No motion was made.  

The issue, Miller wrote in an appeal letter, is  that large chrome coffins and vaults and headstones are visible outside Clark Funeral Home, located across from his residence. Miller sought screening to be put up, citing the City of Cairo’s code for protective screening. 

“I’m appealing this decision because I look out my front door everyday and see large chrome coffins and construction equipment,” Miller wrote. 

Miller said the chrome coffins started appearing outside the funeral home around 2008. 

Miller, who lived at his residence for 14 years, told council members he met with City Manager Chris Addleton and city attorney Tom Lehman on Dec. 1 and was told the screening code would be enforced. 

In a letter dated Dec. 13 to Miller, Lehman said he believed the City of Cairo could not force the property owner to erect screening as the property was zoned as a commercial land use before 2001. The city’s zoning code changed in 2001.  

“That means that if the property were zoned today, screening would be required; however, it would not apply before 2001,” Lehman wrote. 

Miller said the council has the power to investigate the issue, adding no burial vaults should be permitted above ground, referencing Section 7-31 of the city’s code. 

“It’s time for a change here,” he said. “I’ve been looking at this for 10 years. We have an eyesore in the middle of downtown Cairo.”

Lehman said once land is zoned commercial, the landowner can “use it for all logically and necessary” needs. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.