Sunday, September 28, 2003
Repeat offenders are a problem, the police chief said.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LEETONIA -- Ridding yards of junk vehicles and just plain junk could keep some village residents out of jail.
Police Chief John Soldano said some residents should soon be receiving letters about clearing away junk vehicles, debris and junk such as refrigerators or other appliances from their yards.
Soldano said a revised ordinance is in effect that stiffens the penalty for junk violations.
Residents who don't comply could face fines of $250 and 30 days in jail for a first offense, and $500 and 45 to 60 days in jail for the second offense. The offenses are fourth- and second-degree misdemeanors, respectively.
Soldano said much of the trouble is caused by repeat offenders who would rather pay a lesser fee and then not clean up their yards.
Previously, the offense was a minor misdemeanor and offenders paid a $100 fine in mayor's court, Soldano said.
Safety hazards
Not only are the vehicles and debris unsightly, they also present a safety hazard, Soldano said. Some people who have junk refrigerators sitting on porches or in their yards don't have them sealed shut, and children or animals could become trapped inside and suffocate, he said.
Soldano added that the department is working closely with zoning officer Scott Garlough to notify residents of the violations and to enforce the ordinance.
Vehicles which aren't operational or don't have valid registration are also not allowed to be left on village streets or in driveways, he said.
Garlough said anyone who receives a notice should follow the instructions in the letter to avoid being cited.
Anyone who is unsure of the instructions should contact the person stated in the letter.
Anyone who wants to report a violation should call the zoning office at village hall at (330) 427-6721, the chief said.
tullis@vindy.com