AUSTINTOWN Officials mandate property cleanup

The North Edgehill Ave. home will be inspected and its owners told what they must do.
AUSTINTOWN -- The Mahoning County Board of Health says it will condemn a North Edgehill Avenue property if it isn't cleaned up.
On Thursday, the board told Robert and Maureen Jack of 140 N. Edgehill to make themselves available within the next seven days for an inspection of their property, including their home, by county health and humane society officials, and township zoning, building and fire department officials.
The inspectors will prepare a list of things that the Jacks must do to prevent their home from being condemned, the board said. The length of time they will have to comply was not established Thursday.
Order appealed
In a condemnation order issued Aug. 23, and then appealed by the Jacks, they are charged with improper storage of items, attracting rodents; failing to keep their cats and dogs from creating an offensive odor and unsanitary conditions and failing to keep their home clean and sanitary.
Zoning Inspector Michael Kurilla Jr. and health department sanitarian John Hallas said the property has been an ongoing problem since the 1970s, when neighbors started filing complaints.
Kurilla said materials are improperly stored outside the home and a detached garage and the garage is full of trash.
Several neighbors testified Thursday, saying there's odor coming from the property and the couple's cats are defecating in their yards.
Many pets
Robert Jack said they have nine cats, including two kittens, and a dog. He acknowledged having more animals in the past.
"We love our cats. We are responsible, decent people," Jack said, offering letters of support from their priest and doctor.
"We are doing our best to clean up. Why didn't they come to me instead of telling everybody else?" he asked.