Abandoned!

August 9, 2010 by
Filed under: *** Residents' Articles *** 

Two of my neighbors approached me the other afternoon, asking if I had any thoughts on a situation they faced. The home adjacent to theirs, apparently abandoned, is in such terrible repair that pieces of siding threaten to fall at any moment. My neighbors worried about injury to themselves or their guests, insect infestations, and so on. They brought their concerns to the Board, they explained, but had been turned away, advised to take their concerns directly to the Township. The owner, they were told, was in India, and not reachable.

I walk the community regularly. Many homes are in serious decline. Not only empty units, either. In some cases occupied units are just as bad!

The abandoned home, the focus of my neighbor’s concern, was well-kept before the last sale. The final occupant was a young girl, Virginia plates on her car as I recall, who had found new work in the City. Then, one day shortly after a crowded party, a truck came. She and friends loaded it up and disappeared, and no one has been there since. She wasn’t here very long. Maybe a year, if that.

The home to the other side of that one, on the end, is occupied. I’m not sure how many live there. It’s in decline, too. There may even be a business being run from there, if the number of FedEx trucks and assorted unmarked straight-job trucks in and out, loading and unloading, are any indication.

There are others. But what’s the point in going on?

I’ve entertained thought of posting unit numbers and pictures of some of the slum-like things I see in our once-beautiful community. I’ve used peer pressure tactics before to effect change behavioral changes – it can work, sometimes. But thinking it through, broadcasting the situation with precision just might worsen it.

What do you think? Is the home next to yours making you nervous because of abandonment or neglectful owners? What, if anything, have you tried to do about it? Or, are YOU one of those neglectful homeowners? Can you explain yourself?

I’m not holding my breath.

Comments

Tell us what you're thinking...

You must be logged in to post a comment.