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Residents raise safety, blight and alley access concerns; city cites stepped‑up code enforcement
Summary
Two residents described ongoing health, safety and nuisance issues—needles, trash, a dog chasing a child and persistent illegal activity in alleys—prompting city staff to say code enforcement and animal control are addressing complaints and that follow‑up will occur.
Two residents brought persistent neighborhood problems to the Richmond Board of Commissioners during the public‑comment portion of the meeting, and city staff described steps being taken.
Joseph Robertson Jr. said he had documented five years of ongoing problems at properties on Sizemore Drive, including tenants finding needles and other hazardous debris. Robertson asked the commission to take further action; the chief and code enforcement staff indicated the city had ramped up enforcement, citing a citation schedule (warning, $100 fine, $300 fine, then $500 recurring) intended to prompt compliance.
Robertson also reported an incident involving a pit bull chasing a child. The panel told him that if an animal is actively threatening a child, residents should call 911 so police and animal control are dispatched. Chief Richardson and code enforcement staff were present and said animal control now has a vehicle and is responding to such complaints.
Daryl Smith, a property owner on North Street, described illegal activity in an old alley behind properties that he said makes renters feel unsafe. He asked whether the city would consider selling or closing the alley and installing a gate. Staff said the city had previously pursued options such as deeding alley segments to adjacent owners or installing gates when owners do not agree; staff asked Smith to leave contact information so they could follow up.
City staff said they have recently begun renewed enforcement and will issue citations to property owners when appropriate. No formal action was taken at the meeting beyond commitments to follow up and to use existing code and animal‑control procedures.
