Once an industrial powerhouse in Natchez-Adams County, the former Armstrong Tire and Rubber plant on Kelly Avenue has been vacant for approximately 14 years.

Through the years, Armstrong became a shell of what it once was with its employee count dwindling from more than a thousand to just a few hundred prior to the last operator — Titan Tire of Natchez — closing up shop.

America is dotted with former factories that have outlasted their usable life and are often left to waste away through neglect.

The responsible party is usually some corporate owner in a far away place.

But the Armstrong building is different. The entire plant — the buildings and the land beneath — is owned by the City of Natchez.

For years, the city and the leaseholder, Titan Tire of Natchez, have been in a bit of a standoff.

Although it hasn’t produced a tire at the plant in 14 years, the company continues to maintain security at the 35-acre facility, which is certainly not inexpensive.

Natchez Mayor Butch Brown suggested if the plant winds up back in city hands — apparently the company has indicated that may soon happen — the city could sell the property as surplus property.

The city should seek to get rid of the building, if it winds up with it again.

If that happens, the city should also seek every means possible — if any exist — to get the leasing company to help offset the cost of demolishing the factory and cleaning up any environmental issues on the site.