Homewood council carries 405 Woodvale Lane nuisance case two weeks after resident testimony

The Homewood City Council carried over action on a public-nuisance matter at 405 Woodvale Lane during its July 27 meeting after a resident who lives at the property described cleanup difficulties and property damage.

Scott Cook, the city's code enforcement official, summarized prior notices and said certified letters and a yard posting were sent; he told council the current code concern is primarily excessive growth in the backyard and that the ordinance requires property maintenance regardless of front or back yard. Resident Eric Butler said he had received a notice and described long-standing issues with neighboring trees, a collapsed fence and a recent car claim that he said cost $16,800. "I live at 405 Woodbell Lane. My name is Eric Butler," he told the council, and asked for time to address the yard and fence damage.

Councilors discussed options including contracting the work or sending city crews. Councilor Lane moved — and the mayor carried the motion — to give the property owner two weeks to bring the lot into compliance and to return the item on Aug. 10 at 6:00 p.m.; council stated that if the property remains out of compliance on Aug. 10 it will vote to declare a public nuisance and the city will abate the property the next day and charge the owner the abatement cost plus a 50% penalty. Staff said abatement invoices are sent to owners, give them 30 days to pay, and unpaid bills may result in a lien.