Resident urges Village action after years of alleged property deterioration, loose dogs at 1209 Lisbon Ave.

Sofia Bourbon, a Hartland resident, told the Village Board the property at 1209 Lisbon Avenue has been a recurring nuisance for about three years and that she and nearby neighbors have repeatedly reported problems to officials. "The property located at, 1209 Lisbon Avenue is a rather nuisance property," Bourbon said, citing missing siding, mold, water intrusion and interior structural concerns.

Bourbon said the house appears occupied intermittently by an absentee landlord and multiple pets. "He's using these dogs that he has against me," she said, and described instances when loose dogs chased her and blocked her from leaving her property.

Why it matters: Bourbon told the board she has filed repeated complaints and wants clarity on enforcement timeframes and options, including whether the village can compel repairs or pursue court action for unsafe or blighted structures.

Village response: A board member said staff would notify Scott Hossinger, the building inspector, and coordinate with police so staff could explain enforcement timeframes and next steps. The board member told Bourbon, "we'll have Scott Hossinger, the building inspector, and Luis call tomorrow" to begin follow-up. Officials cautioned that building inspections and police responsibilities are distinct but said they would pursue both avenues.

What was discussed: Bourbon described visible exterior damage (missing siding, exposed framing, water intrusion), what she said is interior instability where "the interior of the home, it's being held up with 2 by fours," and recurring loose dogs that she says have threatened residents. She also said she had documentation — photos and previous complaints — and asked staff not to disclose her name in reports because she feared retaliation. Village staff responded that complaint records are public records and will be available under open-records rules.

Next steps and limitations: Staff said they will have the building inspector and police contact Bourbon to explain what the village can do and typical timelines. Officials noted that entering private residences requires legal cause and that some enforcement remedies (including court action) can be lengthy; one board member referenced a previous Hartridge case that took roughly two years once civil action began.

Ending: Village staff committed to contacting Bourbon the next day to outline enforcement options and whether the building condition or animal control matters require immediate action, further inspection, or escalating to civil remedies.