Latest news with #neighborhoodissues
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Yahoo
Houston residents say partygoers have taken over their block — what to do if a party house causes you problems
What happens when your neighborhood turns into a weekend party zone, and you can't even back your car out of the driveway? Some residents in Houston are finding out the hard way, as locals say an influx of partygoers has overwhelmed their once-quiet streets. 'Sometimes you can't even drive up and down the street,' one resident, who asked not to be named, told KHOU 11 News in a story published June 8. 'Some people have even just pulled up in my driveway and just chose to stay there for the evening, so it can get frustrating for sure.' He added that sometimes the noise lasts well into the early morning hours. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it KHOU 11 News visited the area — near Emancipation Ave. and Wheeler Ave. — one day and found traffic was backed up while noting there were several businesses that attracted large crowds. So, what happens when the party doesn't stop in your neighborhood? Not all businesses close to the intersection appreciate the influx of people at night. Damon Glaspie, who operates several nearby parking lots, says the extra traffic has been a hindrance. 'We need to make sure our driveways are clear, our lanes are clear, so we can get people in and out safely,' he told KHOU 11 News. Houston city council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who represents the area, pledged to stay on top of the disturbances and ensure police were on patrol regularly. 'We want them to know that it is not acceptable,' she told KHOU 11 News. Meanwhile, the local broadcaster reports residents recently came together to get the city to enforce residential permit parking, with new rules set to go into effect by the end of June. Read more: You don't have to be a millionaire to gain access to . In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here's how If your neighborhood is facing a similar issue, the first step is knowing your rights and local laws. Here's what anyone dealing with party house problems can do: Document everything: Keep a log and take photos or videos of blocked driveways, noise violations and unsafe behavior. This evidence can support complaints to the city or police. Call 3-1-1: Many cities in the U.S. have a 3-1-1 hotline in place for non-emergency services. This allows residents to report parking violations, code enforcement issues and more. Call the police: If you feel it's warranted, consider contacting local police to deal with neighborhood disturbances. Appeal to your city representative: Reaching out to elected officials can help escalate any issues. Council offices track constituent complaints and may apply pressure for faster regulation. Organize your neighbors: A coordinated effort — petitions, neighborhood meetings or local media outreach — can amplify everyone's voices and demonstrate that the issue is widespread. This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Yahoo
Florida residents fed up with neighboring vacant home left to rot, attracting the wrong kind of attention
In the southwest Florida coastal city of Cape Coral, residents of an idyllic neighborhood are fed up — and they say one vacant home is to blame. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it The property in question has become a local eyesore, with overgrown vegetation, flimsy and open screens, and disconnected gutters that make the home look more like a haunted house than a coastal getaway. 'It's getting to the point where you leave places like this, it gets overrun by Mother Nature, she'll claim it back, and she's starting to,' Karl Grabner, whose property sits next to the home that has neighbors seeing red, told television station WINK. And they're not just talking about appearances. Residents told WINK the home is attracting the wrong kind of attention, with one claiming he'd heard about a break-in. What was presumably once a quiet, well-kept block now feels unstable — with property values and community morale at risk. One neighbor, Frank Tormenia, told WINK that he had heard someone broke into the home and took appliances, though the station couldn't confirm that with police. "My neighbor ... was taking the branches and stacked them up here. I says, 'Why are you doing this?' He goes, 'I'm tired of looking at it,'' said Tormenia. But the good news is the city is finally stepping in. According to WINK's June 12 report, a special magistrate found the owner guilty of three code violations, citing unsafe conditions, a lack of proper screening and unsightly pool conditions. They were given less than two weeks to make repairs. The news station said it was unable to reach the realtor selling the house or identify the owner of the property. When a home sits vacant and neglected, the damage isn't limited to peeling paint or an overgrown lawn. These properties can become magnets for crime, deterring would-be buyers and inviting safety concerns. Even the perception of abandonment can weigh on a neighborhood. Nearby homeowners may see their own property values drop, while feeling the social and emotional strain of living next to what essentially becomes a community liability. Read more: You don't have to be a millionaire to gain access to . In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here's how Break-ins, pest infestations, and mold are common consequences of unattended homes. And in storm-prone regions like Florida, a vacant, unmaintained house can pose serious structural risks to neighboring properties. For residents living near a neglected home, knowing your rights and options is important. Residents should report issues promptly through the city's complaint channels and document concerns with photos or written statements. In Cape Coral, city officials put this homeowner on the clock. Life happens. Sometimes you need to move, travel, or delay renovations. But leaving a property unattended comes with real responsibilities. Most cities require that homeowners maintain basic upkeep, like mowing lawns, securing doors and windows, and ensuring there's no structural danger. Failure to comply can lead to city intervention. Owners of vacant properties should check local codes about property maintenance, arrange for regular landscaping and inspections, and stay in contact with local authorities to ensure the property hasn't been completely abandoned. "When a municipality receives a code violation complaint, a city inspector will generally visit the property to verify if the complaint is valid. If it is, the property owner will be notified about what corrections are needed and how long they have to make them. If the property owner fails to take the proper steps to reach code compliance, monetary assessments and penalties may be imposed, and eventually the property may even be condemned by the government," said the Owners' Counsel of America, adding that a property being condemned could "possibly lead to an actual demolition of the structure." This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
CBS News
18-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Baltimore residents frustrated with weeds covering sidewalks, fire hydrant
Residents on Baltimore's Pascal Avenue are frustrated that trees, brush, and shrubs are taking over part of their neighborhood. "We've had cars that have gotten bugs, trails of bugs from out of the brush into their cars," said resident Michelle Martin. "There are thorns, so if you step out, you might get scratched." Residents on Baltimore's Pascal Avenue are frustrated that trees, brush, and shrubs are taking over part of their neighborhood. CBS News Baltimore This has become the reality for residents of Pascal Avenue in Baltimore City. "If there was an actual fire, we didn't know where the fire hydrant was because it's completely covered with brush," Martin said. No response from the city Martin says when she moved to the neighborhood eight years ago, she used to walk the sidewalks all the time, but over the last three years, the sidewalk has become overgrown with shrubs. She says several calls to the city to maintain it have gone largely unanswered. "Last year, I made three calls, and only one of them got a service request," Martin said. "When I called to check on them, they told me they only saw one in the system and that it probably wouldn't be handled this year." Rodent infestation fuels frustration Now, following a rodent infestation, she and her neighbors have had enough and took their frustrations to City Councilwoman Phylicia Porter. In a statement to WJZ, Porter says she is aware of these concerns, writing in part, "My staff informed her that there is no sidewalk on the street abutting West Bay Park. Additionally, staff informed her in the June 12, 2025, 4:48 PM email that Forestry, under City Recreation and Parks, had been notified and that our office is tracking the issue for resolution." Hoping for a solution Martin says she is hopeful Councilwoman Porter will bring them a long-awaited solution, but she is frustrated that it had to come to this. "I don't think this is a big issue, I think it's something that could easily be taken care of. I don't think we have to, as a taxpayer, that I have to call a councilman and a state senator to get someone to respond and get an answer to get this taken care of, but that's what I've had to do," said Martin. Martin told WJZ that an inspector came out Wednesday, and he, too, denied that a sidewalk was ever present there, which Martin says is not true. She said the inspector told neighbors they are working to have this addressed by the end of the summer.
CBS News
29-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Aurora landlord summoned to court for "chronic violator property," a common issue in the Colorado city
Sitting in the sun in her inviting backyard, Lindsay Wanek finds joy in calling Aurora home for the past eight years. "I moved out here because I like diverse communities," she said. Yet the last several months haven't been so joyful due to a troubling house next door. "People started coming and going and we couldn't figure out who was living there," said Wanek. Lindsay Wanek CBS That uncertainty put Wanek on edge. It became worse, she said, when she consistently heard loud music and saw strange behavior in her neighbor's backyard. "At one point, I poked my head over the fence to ask them to turn down the music and I saw all these cars back there and people working on them," she said. "I was like, 'This is weird.'" Wanek snapped several photos showing multiple cars lined up in the backyard, as well as several vehicles being worked on in the front yard. Knowing it was a rental property, she tried reaching out to the landlord in hopes of getting answers. "I called him twice and he was just like, 'There's not an issue there.'" But to Wanek, and many of her neighbors, she says, those vehicles weren't the only issue. From mounds of trash and debris in the yards and alley behind the home to a more than busted fence, problems kept piling up. A code enforcement photo of trash in the backyard of the home in question City of Aurora "There were car registrations all over the alley and so I was like, 'Something is not right.'" So, Wanek took action again by reaching out once more to the landlord, Aurora City Council, even Aurora police. "I tried everything I possibly could and then I saw your article," she said to CBS Colorado's Kelly Werthmann. She is referring to Werthmann's coverage in April about the City of Aurora's code enforcement team encouraging residents to reach out if they have concerns about problem rental homes in the city. Wanek did just that and within a couple days, code enforcement officers showed up and cited the landlord for numerous violations, including not removing trash, unlawful vehicles, and unlawful outdoor storage. Turns out, the house next door to Wanek has been labeled as a "chronic violator property" by the city of Aurora. CBS Colorado's open records request revealed dozens of citations in the past 10 yers and now a court summons issued to the landlord. Not only does he own the house next to Wanek's, but also eight other rental homes in the area. They, too, have a lengthy history of violating city code. "I tell you what, these people are crazy," said Andris Berzins, the landlord and homeowner. Much like he told Wanek by phone, Andris Berzins told Werthmann that he doesn't see an issue with his properties. "I don't see a problem," he said. "The problem is the code enforcement. They can come over here and see a piece of paper on there and they just give me trash [citation]." Berzins said his numerous citations for things like trash, building maintenance and unlawful vehicles over the years are because he has become an unfair target of Aurora's Code Enforcement. "They decided that I am not good," Berzins said. According to public property records, more than 50 different people have lived in the 3-bedroom, 800-square foot house next to Wanek since Andris Berzins purchased it in 2008. He claims the last person who lived there unexpectedly moved out in the past six months and allowed squatters to move in. Andris Berzins CBS "So you weren't keeping track of who was living in your home?" asked Werthmann. "I didn't, no," said Berzins. "Do you create leases for them to sign?" Werthmann asked. "No," he said. "Why not?" Werthmann replied. "I don't need to," he said. Upon learning her neighboring homeowner doesn't keep track of his tenants, Wanek decided to dig a little deeper into what's happening next door. "Oh, I found the property owner's spouse is running for city council, and on her website, she's advocating for safe neighborhoods and a safe community, which is really ironic," said Wanek. Marsha Berzins, Andris Berzins' wife, is a former Aurora City Council member and is running for election this November. While she is not listed as a co-owner of the home next door to Wanek, property records indicate Marsha Berzins is co-owner of at least three other homes in Aurora that have been repeatedly cited by code enforcement. CBS Colorado reached out to Mrs. Berzins for an interview, but she declined and said she has nothing to do with those rental properties. "What are the consequences for this? There doesn't seem like there's any," Wanek said. So, CBS Colorado went back to Aurora's code enforcement office to get answers. "A lot of times when we do see repeat offenders, we have the option of what's called a chronic violator property," explained Josh King, manager of Aurora's Housing and Community Services Department, "and we can put them on that and then issue a summons going forth for repeat violations." That is now what's happening to Andris Berzins. He is due in court in June. "It may look like we're not moving fast, but unfortunately zoning cases take time," explained King, adding some cases can take years to reach a summons. CBS Colorado's Kelly Werthmann interviews Josh King, the manager of Aurora's Housing and Community Services Department. CBS King said unfortunately situations like the Berzins' properties receiving multiple citations are not uncommon in Aurora. "Do you see the need for more enforcement or more regulation around rentals in Aurora?" Werthmann asked. "That's a tough question," King replied. "No one likes over-enforcement of things, but again, we're always looking at stuff to help our community members and maybe that does involve another code being written or how we address things. I'm not opposed to change by any means. The world is evolving, and we need to evolve with it." That change can't come soon enough for neighbors like Wanek. "I think the system is broken," she said. Aurora City Council is considering an amendment to its city code related to Neglected or Derelict Buildings or Property (page 400). According to the proposal, the provisions intent to gain compliance and eliminate the burden such properties place on neighborhoods and the community in general. It passed its first reading 8-0 in a council meeting earlier this month and is up for a second reading on June 9.
