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Residents press Belpre council to tighten rules on long-term parked vehicles; city cautions about enforcement limits
Summary
Several Elm Street residents urged the city to adopt a 72-hour movement rule and stronger enforcement after vehicles reportedly sat for up to two years and leaked oil; officials said enforcement and proof requirements complicate a quick legislative fix and asked staff to research options.
Multiple residents addressed council about vehicles parked for months on Elm Street, saying they believed the cars to be inoperable, that parked vehicles are reducing property values and that oil from one vehicle is leaking into storm sewers.
"One vehicle hasn't been moved in two years and the other one in a year. I'm assuming they are inoperable since they haven't been moved," said resident Mike Aquino, who asked the council how the ordinance could be changed to require vehicles to move every 72 hours.
Mayor Abdella responded that Code Enforcement Officer Leonard Wiggins had visited the location and that both vehicles had current license and appeared operable (tires not flat). "The city ordinance states they have to be inoperable vehicles in order to move," she said, indicating current law focuses on operability. City Law Director Mr. Webster advised council that adding a 72-hour movement requirement would create proof and enforcement challenges; he said the city might need court orders in some cases and would research how other jurisdictions handle short-movement provisions.
Council Member Mr. Locke said he would inquire with the City of Marietta about their enforcement practices; Mr. Ambrozy and others voiced concern about passing unenforceable rules. Residents requested clearer timelines for follow-up; the law director said he would consult the city prosecutor and research options but could not give a completion date during the meeting.
Why it matters: Residents described ongoing neighborhood impacts — nuisance, property-value and drainage concerns — and asked the city for enforceable solutions. Officials cautioned that a rule without practical enforcement capacity could create legal and staffing problems.
What the record shows: No ordinance change was adopted at the Aug. 26 meeting. Council directed staff and the law office to research options for revising inoperable-vehicle rules and enforcement procedures; residents were advised to provide photographs and details to the Safety-Service Director for investigative follow-up.
