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Neighbors ask Morris City Council to inspect 506 West Eleventh Street over alleged 'junk' and nuisance
Summary
Residents urged Morris City officials to inspect and enforce nuisance and junk-code violations at 506 West Eleventh Street, saying accumulated materials and overgrown grass are damaging property values; staff said the city and sheriff's office are working with the city attorney and requested more evidence as enforcement can take time.
Neighbors of 506 West Eleventh Street told the Morris City Council on May 28 that material piled in a backyard and unkempt lawns may violate the city’s junk and nuisance code and asked the city to act.
"We have a property in our neighborhood, 506 West Eleventh Street," resident Eugene Croshaw said, presenting photos and asking the city to "take a look at it" and either enforce the code or explain why no action is needed. He said his group originally reported the condition by email on May 7 and that they had not received a definitive response.
Another neighbor, Jim Bew, said he believed the owner may have constructed a structure from pallets and questioned whether it had the required building permits. "It's an eyesore, and it's affecting our property values," Bew said.
City staff told the council they are aware of the complaint and are coordinating with the sheriff's office and the city attorney. Staff asked residents for additional documentation — such as more photos and any evidence of smells or materials entering neighboring properties — to help build a case through due process. "We are working with the Sheriff's office and the city attorney on trying to mitigate the problem," a staff member said.
Council members said the situation highlights possible gaps or ambiguities in city code enforcement and suggested the council may review the nuisance and junk ordinance language. The presiding official said the council would likely act quickly to investigate and, if needed, clarify or amend the ordinance so it better addresses persistent local concerns.
The council made no formal enforcement decision on the spot; staff described the usual enforcement timeline as taking days to months depending on the legal process and evidence gathered. Residents who spoke were invited to stay after the meeting and to provide further documentation to staff.
