Opinion & Editorial

Previously restored home now full of junk; is the City enforcing codes?

A couple years ago, local builders and contractors donated their time, equipment, labor and materials to rebuild a couple of houses for free through the Hope Restored program.
They did a wonderful job on the homes, inside and out, including a ramp for a disabled person living at a home on Killingsworth Drive. There was no charge for the labor and materials and other work done. See the accompanying picture of what the home looked like when finished. Then look at the other picture to see what it looks like today.
It is amazing that the persons living there could treat an attractive home like this. But also it is astounding that the city administrator and her code enforcement officer don’t do a thing about it. Even the mayor has been by it and on his own admission has not done anything to rectify the situation.
The excuse we have heard is that someone has to complain in writing before anything can be done. Ridiculous: suppose a police officer, upon seeing a gross violation, would not act until a citizen filed a report.
Complaints have been sent, including talking directly to the mayor and city officials, for all the good it does. I feel sorry for the children that have to play in the street because their yard is full of junk, and the neighbors whose home values have fallen.
How would a realtor make excuses to a prospective client if they saw these abuses? If there is a rule prohibiting the code compliance officer from taking action, she could sit in her office all day and wait for a complaint. I believe it is her duty and that of the city administrator to direct her to look for such obvious violations and take action to get them corrected.
I am proud to live in Creswell and want it to be presentable.

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