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Crosby Township resident demands action over neighbors yard; trustees vote to seek assessment
Summary
Resident Parker Beaulieu told Crosby Township trustees his neighbors property is overgrown, has unlicensed vehicles and groundhogs undermining his foundation; trustees said some issues fall outside township code but voted unanimously to obtain an assessment related to a possible property purchase or further action.
Parker Beaulieu, a Crosby Township resident who identified himself as living at 9229 New Haven Road, delivered an emotional public comment saying a neighboring property has ‘‘trees and limbs laying down’’ since last winters ice storm, unlicensed and inoperable vehicles, and groundhogs ‘‘digging holes underneath my foundation.’’ He told trustees he has sought help repeatedly and that prior visits had not resolved the problems: "I've had Jim at my house. You guys have been out to my house many times. This is just not working anymore," Beaulieu said.
Trustees and staff responded that the townships current property maintenance code does not address animals, trees or some health-related matters and that certain enforcement steps may rest with the county health department. Township staff described the existing enforcement sequence: an attorneys letter, citation delivered by the sheriff, and, if necessary, a hearing before the housing judge. Trustees noted some remedies (for removing junk vehicles) are provided by statute but that towing and disposal impose costs on the township.
After discussion about available enforcement tools and jurisdictional limits, Trustee Ryan moved to obtain an assessment related to purchase of the house/property (agenda language: "purchase of property"). The motion was seconded; trustees Mister Dole, Mister Niehaus and Mister Hice voted yes, and the motion passed.
Why it matters: The residents complaint highlights limits in the townships current code and overlaps with health-department and county jurisdiction. Getting an assessment could be a step toward remediation, acquisition or other actions that would move beyond case-by-case citation and into a formal evaluation of next steps.
What happens next: Trustees approved the motion to obtain the assessment and indicated staff and sheriffs personnel would visit the property; the board will address the assessment results and any recommended next steps at a future meeting. The boards next regular meeting was announced for 7 p.m.
