Description
Neighbor has not mowed his back lawn once this year. Grass is over 2 feet on average, ragweed and other allergy exciting plants are out of control, it has also become a habitat for brown rabbits which are eating neighboring flower and vegetable gardens. Flies and mosquitoes are also much worse than previous years. I have a 4 month old son we are hesitant to enjoy the outdoors in our back yard because of the ridiculous amount of bugs. Myself, my Wife and Son are all allergic to these types of pollen and it had become unbearable to be outside on dry days. It should be noted that the property owner being reported has only mowed his front lawn 3 times this year as well.
also asked...
Q. Location of Tall Grass and Weeds (Include physical address and location on the property)?
A. 10618 Dandale Street, back yard
A. 10618 Dandale Street, back yard
6 Comments
Public Information 1 (Verified Official)
Acknowledged Community Development 1 (Registered User)
Dear Resident:
Thank you for your concern regarding the above property with tall grass and weeds. Your "SeeClickFix" comments have been sent to the Department of Community Development for action. The property will be inspected by Community Development Department staff within not more than three business days.
Please note that after an inspection confirms a tall grass and weeds violation, City Code requires that the property owner or occupant receive a written violation notice with up to ten days to cut or otherwise remove tall grass and weeds. If the violation is not corrected after the correction time period specified, the city can order the tall grass and weeds cut and bill the property owner for the cost.
I hope this information is helpful. Feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Michael West, AICP
Senior City Planner
Department of Community Development
City of Portage
7900 South Westnedge Avenue
Portage, MI 49002
269-329-4475 - phone
269-329-4506 - fax
SullyEmerson (Registered User)
Community Development 1 (Registered User)
Dear Resident,
As an update to this case, the Department of Community Development did inspect and confirm the tall grass/weeds violation and a notice was sent to the property owner on June 27th. Since the property owner failed to cut the tall grass/weeds within the specified 10-day period, the city mowing contractor was contacted on July 12th with a request to cut the grass. On July 14th, the city mowing contractor mobilized at the site, however, was denied access by the property owner.
Since the property owner has refused to voluntarily cut the rear yard grass and has also denied access to allow the city to cut the grass, the issue must unfortunately be elevated to District Court. A civil infraction ticket has been issued to the property owner and an Informal Hearing will be scheduled for August 5, 2016 at the 8th District Court in Kalamazoo. At this hearing, the Magistrate will determine responsibility and issue a Compliance Order to the property owner.
Your patience and understanding regarding this matter is appreciated. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to contact me in the Department of Community Development.
Sincerely,
Michael West, AICP Senior City Planner
Department of Community Development
City of Portage
7900 South Westnedge Avenue
Portage, MI 49002
269-329-4475 - phone
269-329-4506 - fax
Community Development 1 (Registered User)
Dear Resident,
As an update to this case, an Informal Hearing was held on August 5, 2016 at the 8th District Court in Kalamazoo. At this hearing, the Magistrate found the property owner responsible and signed a 10-day Compliance Order (August 15, 2016 deadline). As of yesterday, the property owner still had not cut the grass and is in violation of the Court issued Compliance Order. The next step in the legal process is to request a Show Cause Hearing for Contempt through the 8th District Court. This hearing will likely not occur until late September.
Your continued patience and understanding regarding this matter is appreciated. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to contact me in the Department of Community Development.
Sincerely,
Michael West, AICP Senior City Planner
Department of Community Development
City of Portage
7900 South Westnedge Avenue
Portage, MI 49002
269-329-4475 - phone
269-329-4506 - fax
Closed Community Development 1 (Registered User)