Daily photo by Gary Lloyd This house is at 1811 Chestnut St. S.E. Bonnie Flanagan, who lives on the property, said the city rarely maintains its property running alongside her home, resulting in weeds taller than her yard.

Hiding in plain sight

Location: 1811 Chestnut St. S.E.

Description: High weeds and grass on city and private property engulf the corner of Chestnut Street and 19th Avenue Southeast. Buckets and storage containers litter the front porch. A caller complained of the overgrown yard and also the vivid purple color coating an outside structure.

Owner: Bonnie Flanagan, who lives on the property, said the buckets contain black walnuts and toys for her grandchildren and pets. The drought deterred Flanagan from mowing the yard, fearing that it would kill the grass and clover. “But I don’t mow the city property.”

Flanagan said the city rarely maintains its property running alongside her home, resulting in weeds taller than her yard.

Ordinance: Decatur’s weed, junk and litter ordinance requires property owners to maintain grass, weeds and non-ornamental plant growth. The same ordinance prohibits the storage of junk and scrap unless in an enclosed structure. The ordinance, however, does not address color preference.

Responsible officials: City Councilman David Bolding said he didn’t know of the situation but would notify the Community Development Department.

David Lee, code enforcement officer with Community Development, verified that an officer cited the property during a proactive inspection of the neighborhood. The officer issued a citation to the property owner for overgrown weeds and grass, and also unconfined junk and scrap material. On Monday, the enforcing officer will re-examine the property to ensure that the property aligns with the city ordinance.

Responsibility for maintaining the easements lies with the Beautification Department.

Let us know if you’re tired of seeing a dilapidated building, litter, a drainage problem or an eyesore in your neighborhood. Contact Community Development’s weed, junk and litter hot line at 341-4963. You can also contact the Daily newsroom at 340-2433 or news@decaturdaily.com.

Catherine Godbey

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