Residents urge stronger code enforcement, cite persistent blight

Tracy Jennings told the Committee of the Whole that she has repeatedly asked the village to implement a reliable code-enforcement process and that conditions have worsened over decades.

"For years I've been asking for a process for code enforcement...This is the worst I've seen it," Jennings said, describing hedges, inoperable vehicles and trees encroaching on alleys and sidewalks. She said she has submitted "hundreds" of requests and that public works and the village president "know what I'm about to say is true." Jennings also said the village spends about $300,000 annually but appears to have too few staff to address ongoing problems.

Jennings urged trustees to adopt a formal, predictable process for inspections and follow-up, saying that without resident-initiated complaints enforcement rarely takes place. She pointed to specific problem areas—an alley from Canterbury to Bellevue—and asked the board to conduct field reconnaissance rather than rely on informal follow-up.

Another resident, Jim Peltork, backed the call for stricter enforcement and cited municipal code sections he said govern weeds and penalties. "7 56 20 is the well, that 1 describes the weeds, and how high they can be, which is 8 inches," Peltork said, and described fines and a $756.50 cost the village could impose, including a lien if property owners do not pay. Peltork said he and his wife had reported longstanding problems near 31st and Mayfair and noted overflowing trash receptacles at a bus stop that create a poor impression for visitors.

The board did not take formal action during the meeting; members acknowledged the comments and said they would keep the issue on the agenda for future Committee of the Whole discussion. The matter remains a resident request for policy change rather than a formal village initiative.