Description
Multiple Issues: backyard has not been maintained in any way for years, trash in all areas of yard, dilapidated home and other structures on property. An overall eyesore.
Multiple Issues: backyard has not been maintained in any way for years, trash in all areas of yard, dilapidated home and other structures on property. An overall eyesore.
44 Comments
Disgruntled Neighbor (Guest)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Eric Schertzing (Registered User)
Carol Wood (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
It has been a few weeks, can you please let me know what is being done about this?
Thanks!
Carol Wood (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
I appreciate your quick response.
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Display Name Blocked (6330) (Registered User)
(517) 483-4361
Carol Wood (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Iris Smith (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Carol Wood (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
AndWeReWalking (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Di (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Greg (Registered User)
Josh S (Registered User)
Greg (Registered User)
scott.sanford@lansingmi.gov
Josh S (Registered User)
I'll shoot one off to Scott directly if I don't get a quick reply
Greg (Registered User)
I called him and left a message.
517 483 6946
He's in the city of Lansing staff directory.
Greg (Registered User)
Ok. First off, Scott Sanford does not do inspections for the City in our neighborhood. A nice guy named Walter does (517 483 4335).
421 W Hodge was sited on October 11, 2018, for trash in the yard and unpainted exterior wood. The city will not enforce action until spring (can't paint outside in winter).
I called Lansing building Safety (Steven Swan 517 483 4355), inquiring about permits and approved materials attained/used regarding the roof that was put on in the spring. Currently waiting for a call back.
Sometimes when you want something done, you have to do it yourself. When spring comes, and if no action regarding the trash is taken, I'll go across the street and clean it up myself. Then maybe Disgruntled Neighbor won't be disgruntled. :)
Josh S (Registered User)
Good to note that Walter is the actual point of contact. If nothing can be done til spring I don't think they'll appreciate multiple people calling for the same issue, so I can give em a ring once the snow starts melting. The colder weather may expose further structural issues, so maybe a better case can be made at that time too.
@Greg if DIY turns out the case, I'd be more than willing to help out with a lot clean-up.
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Chris @ code enforcement was called and came by to cite the property at that time. I was given Walter's name and number to see about what the process may be to get it condemned and razed. I still don't know the answer as I called once a week for about 4 or 5 weeks with no response. I then called Scott Sanford, whom is his boss, with no response, so I emailed the main address and then Scott did respond.
Obviously nothing happens instantaneously, but as you can see, this complaint has been open for over 2.5 years and the property is still a dump! And that's when someone lived there! Now it's vacant and no chance for improvement. At least we won't have to smell burning trash used to heat the home now that the chimney completely fell apart!
Yes, in the spring you should take a look at the backyard - the front yard doesn't even compare, it's quite a piece of work!
Unfortunately, disgruntled neighbor will probably be so until something is actually and legitimately done about this property! Keep calling, emailing and speaking up about it though, you guys are awesome!!
THANKS!!!
Greg (Registered User)
Josh: Sounds good. We'll see what happens in the spring. Also, Scott Sanders did get your email.
All: From talking to Walter, since the house has vinyl windows (been replaced) intact, and doors closed, the city (he) has no authority to inspect the interior habitability/code complianceof the dwelling. It's simply ugly, in some disrepair, and vacant. Having it razed/demoed by the city would be nearly impossible. If it was a meth lab, that would be easier to have demoed.
Walter did say that fines and costs become a lien on the property, and must be paid by the owner when they occur, or when a tax bill is due, or when the property is sold. There's no getting out of it.
So, we're taking appropriate action for now. It would be nice to talk to the homeowner. You get more bees with honey. Maybe whoever it is can be worked with directly...
And your welcome, Disgruntled Neighbor. (I'm glad I don't live next door to that)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Eric A. Schertzing (Registered User)
Hi readers. This is the County Treasurer Eric Schertzing. I do try to keep up on SeeClickFix but I rely upon direct contact mostly. We can all agree this house has been a challenge. The contact I have had directly about this home was from a neighbor interested in buying and fixing up.
The reason for changes over time on what might be demolished versus what is offered for sale at auction is money. The County and City have exhausted the $6,000,000 in demolition funding that took down 367 homes in Lansing. Demolition dollars are scarce.
The other major change in 2018 was a vastly improved market for properties. They sold at auction, sold for more money and were mainly fixed up. Unfortunately not every property is fixed as swiftly. We will have to see what happens at auction with this property on July 30th. I always welcome buyer comments. That is part of the process we are going through. This is part of the process of the auction.
If you have more specific question my desk phone is 676.7233. County email is eschertzing@ingham.org - please send with high priority. And my cell phone is 303.7233.
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
Disgruntled Neighbor (Registered User)
I see somebody didn't like what I had to say the last time, so they rejected my post.
Though the initial complaint is not exactly the same, and neither is the owner, as long as this structure is still standing and not being updated or taken care of, I will continue to take issue with it! I will not close this post until something positive is done! It's already been open for about 4 years.
Just happy we haven't noticed any other people "living" in it since we had to call the police back in January!