LaSalle area residents frustrated with neighborhood eyesores

by John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com)

Tools

Rundown properties in LaSalle Neighborhood

The LaSalle Neighborhood Association says months ago it sent a list of more than 20 rundown properties to South Bend's Code Enforcement Department. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Aug 19, 2008 at 6:12 PM EST

Story Updated: Aug 23, 2008 at 11:06 AM EST

SOUTH BEND -- The LaSalle Neighborhood Association sent a list with more than 20 homes it considers eyesores to South Bend's Code Enforcement months ago.

Now it's concerned proposed budget cuts will affect the community.

"They would not want this next to them," said Gail Brodie.

Brodie is the president of the neighborhood association. She walked down the street and showed WSBT News several eyesores on her street.

Brodie points to one yard, referring to it as a forest. She said, "I've personally lost thousands of dollars in property value for my home through no fault of my own."

Many of the homes featured waist high weeds and grass and overgrown trees. Some of the areas are a haven for stray animals.

"It catches trash," Brodie said. "You cannot walk down the sidewalk, you have to walk around it."

Christopher McClain, a neighbor in the community, lives next door to an abandoned property. He said, "trees have grown and closed the alley off."

He added, "I've seen people dumping stuff down near Power Brake and Spring and near the alleys."

Brodie continued to walk, pointing to two abandoned homes on her street, one next door to her. Another property is located across the street.

"This was purchased by one of the investors who doesn't live in the city," said Brodie. "I've never ever seen him over there cutting, the city has always had to cut it."

Catherine Topple, Director of Code Enforment, empathizes with residents. She said recent changes have made laws tougher. The department can now impose up to $5,000 in penalties.

"In addition to the cleanup costs, those can be placed on the tax rolls of the property," said Topple.

Topple admits the process of citing and having her 10 agents respond to complaints can be a long one.

While notice after notice is sent out to violators across South Bend, Brodie fears proposed cuts announced by South Bend's mayor will make her area look more depressed.

"When those budgets are cut, we're going to get nothing," said Brodie.

As she points to another house, she stops in her tracks.

"You sit there and have to look at this," she said. "I don't think it's fair to me or fair to anybody."

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 34.8
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
60 Minutes
8.00
The Amazing Race 15
9.00
Three Rivers
10.00
Cold Case
11.00
WSBT News
11.30
Paid Programming

Question of The Day

Will the new health recommendations for women change your health screening habits?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.

  • YES
  • NO
Today's Mortgage Rates