I am noticing more and more yards not being maintained anywhere nearly properly. The City needs to consider a strong ordinance requiring grass, bushes, and trees being maintained. Other small cities will pay to have the work done and a lien put on the property to pay for it. Our property values demand stronger ordinances.

Keep up property values

I've had several real estate sales people tell me that some homes in Graymoor-Devondale need attention. The grass is uncut; trash is strewn about the backyard; gutters are falling off; and so forth.

This is a problem for all residents because a trashy environment devalues all the homes in the neighborhood. I don't think most of us want to live in a run-down neighborhood.

What can be done?

First, I would think that neighbors are the best people to begin a solution. Get a group together to talk with the offending resident. Talk, explain, urge, do what you can to get the situation improved.

What happens if that doesn't work?

Well then, get help from the city. Graymoor-Devondale -- like most cities -- has major limitations on what it can do regarding private property. Still, you can contact the Code Enforcement Officer, Jim Minton, if the grass and weeds are more than a foot tall or if the conditions create a safety or health problem.

Are there any other ideas out there?

John Vezeau
City Council Member