Arlington owner Thomas Vaughn’s decision to sell the historic and neglected house and property in Natchez is welcome news.

His decision seems to indicate Natchez Municipal Court Judge Pro Tem Anthony Heidelberg’s decision to  hold Vaughn’s feet to the fire is working.

The dilapidated condition of the house and grounds at Arlington have been a source of concern for the city and those interested in preserving its history for more than a decade now. Arlington was badly damaged in September 2002 fire.

Aside from a new roof being placed on the house shortly after the fire, no work has occurred since that time to protect it from weather or vandals.

Vaughn said Monday in municipal court he plans to sell or auction off the house and property.

Heidelberg made clear it is time for results at Arlington. He said Vaughn has until Sept. 15 to show he has made progress in putting the property up for auction or to have potential buyers, or he will face $1,000 weekly fines.

Heidelberg said the focus of any court action now is working to get the house up to code.

In 2009, the Mississippi Heritage Trust named Arlington the second most endangered historic property in Mississippi.

Like it or not, our city’s lifeblood is tourism, and protecting historic properties and working to preserve them is rightly a priority for all of us.

Getting Arlington in the hands of someone with the means and desire to restore it and protect its historic value would be great news for Natchez.

Let’s just hope someone with enough vision for what Arlington could be wants to purchase a house that has been withering away for more than a decade.