MADISON — Several residents came to last week’s Madison City Council meeting to complain about a residence on State Street they contend has become a haven for drugs and other unsavory activity.

“The city should be embarrassed about this,” one resident said.

“It is the first home you see on the right side of the road when you enter Madison.”

“I have seen drug deals and the drinking of alcoholic beverages in public,” another resident said.

One resident claimed they watch a child pick up a beer container and drink from it.

After hearing complaint after complaint, a city police officer said he has been called to the residence several times over the past months.

“I have seen as many as 10 people living there, including dogs and a monkey,” another resident said.

Madison Mayor H.H. “Sonny” Howell said he has personally been inside the residence, which is being used as a “boarding house.”

“I went there when a lady was stabbed at that location,” the mayor said. “It was pretty bad.”

The city said although it has no ordinances regarding boarding homes, it does have a public nuisance law.

“All buildings, bridges or other structures kept in a manner which is dangerous, unsafe, unhealthy or annoying to the public can be declared a public nuisance by the council,” said James Cooke, the town’s recorder.

Francis Scraggs was identified as the owner of the property, located at 155 State Street.

The city voted unanimously to declare the home and property a public nuisance.

“This will allow the city’s legal council to take the matter to court,” the mayor said.

The city could then fine the property owner, or possibly even shut down the boarding house, if the problems are not fixed.

“Our legal council will now pursue this matter until it is resolved,” the mayor added.