Officials try to keep lawn order, but a problem keeps growing

The zoning inspector said this has been a record year for complaints.
By JoANNE VIVIANO
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- When Richard R. Brincko moved from Youngstown to Boardman six years ago, he thought he'd left behind the eyesores of property owners who didn't keep up their lots.
But he's seen overgrown grass take over vacant township properties the past few years, and he's ready to complain.
"You say Canfield, Boardman or Poland and you always think it's a decent place to live," Brincko said. "But you see blight like that, and somebody's not doing their job."
Brincko points at two particular sites: 246 Melbourne, next to an 80-year-old friend of his, where the grass has not been cut yet this year, and a vacant doctor's office on U.S. Route 224 near West Boulevard.
"I've seen this stuff in Youngstown" Brincko said. "You come out to Boardman and think it's going to be better, you pay higher taxes. To me, it's no better."
Township responds
Darren L. Crivelli, assistant zoning inspector, said it's been a "rough year" for property maintenance. On one day last week, he sent out six letters warning owners to cut grass or clean up debris.
He said the zoning department has issued more citations for high grass this year than in years past. Many are issued to finance companies who are foreclosing on homes whose owners have left or are being evicted.
Generally, there are about three to five homes in foreclosure. This year, there are 12 to 15, Crivelli said.
"It might be a reflection of the economy," Crivelli said. "It seems like this year has been worse."
Crivelli said he understands residents' frustrations. The process to force a property owner to cut grass takes time.
In the Melbourne situation, the home is in foreclosure and a finance company in Atlanta has been contacted about upkeep, Crivelli said. They have told township officials the grass will be cut by Monday.
The owner of the Route 224 doctor's office has been cited and will be given seven to 10 days to respond.
In some cases -- including homes on Lockwood Boulevard, Southern Boulevard and Hitchcock -- properties are in foreclosure but residents have not moved out yet. Finance companies refuse to go on the property until they have.
"There's a drag. It's a slow process, but we will get it done," Crivelli said.
Clarifying law
A property maintenance resolution went into effect in August 2000, Crivelli said. After a special meeting last week, Crivelli was asked by trustees to review and clarify its language.
It requires owners of lots containing a structure to keep grass and weeds to 10 inches or lower. Owners of undeveloped lots are not required to mow.
Crivelli explained why there is sometimes a lag in getting owners to mow grass.
Once township workers find out about a problem, they must tack down the owner, sometimes in another state. They cite the property owners, sending at least two letters, and give them time to respond. If there is no response, the case goes to court.
Brincko doesn't think the resolution is being enforced. He would prefer workers cut the grass and assess property owners for the costs, putting a lien on the property if they don't pay.
Crivelli said that could be a losing proposition that would cost taxpayers and leave the township responsible for too many lots.
"We don't believe taxpayers here should have to pay to maintain private grass," Crivelli said. "We don't want to get into that mess."