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Councilors ask property owner to address trash, fires at vacant lot near 117 Jacob Street
Summary
Residents raised concerns about overgrowth, litter and evidence of small fires on a vacant lot near 117 Jacob Street. City staff say they have sent notice to the listed owner and will continue monitoring; committee voted to place the order on file.
Councilor Pena Castello introduced an order asking the Public Works Subcommittee to discuss an empty lot near 117 Jacob Street, telling the committee, "117 Jacob Street is an empty lot, and it's owned by McDonald's, and it's been neglected. There's overgrowth. People are leaving clothes there. There's a concern that they have started fires in regards to, having a party."
The nut graf: Neighbors reported trash, overgrowth and what they described as evidence of a recent campfire on private property that abuts residences; city staff said they have sent notices to the listed owner and will continue enforcement and monitoring but said the lot is private property.
Lisa Sanders, director of the health department, told the committee she had sent a notice to McDonald's about litter and overgrowth and said the department can address and monitor those items but cannot prevent people from entering private property. "As far as people being on the private property, that's not there isn't anything I can do about it," Sanders said. She told the committee the health department can address litter and overgrowth and “monitor it, but that's the best that I can do.”
Frank Boron, building commissioner, and John Boyer, assistant to the DPW superintendent, joined the discussion. Committee members suggested asking the property owner to post no-trespassing signs or erect fencing at likely access points to deter foot traffic. Councilors noted the lot functions as a cut-through used by neighborhood children to reach local businesses, and recommended contacting the local property owner or manager directly rather than only corporate contacts. Several speakers referenced a local owner identified in past interactions as the Gomez family, but staff said the city must verify the legal owner before directing specific requests.
The committee discussed enforcement limits when property is privately owned and the practical need for repeated follow-up letters and inspections. At the conclusion of discussion the subcommittee voted to place the order on file so city staff could continue outreach and monitoring. The chair said the item was approved unanimously and will go before the full City Council next Tuesday.
