TRUMBULL COUNTY Inspector hates junk properties

The new zoning inspector says landlords must become more responsible.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- It isn't unusual for Ralph Chuey to complain at city council meetings about slum landlords and those who generally don't keep up their property.
Chuey's disdain for dilapidation has now worked him into a job. He's the city's part-time zoning inspector.
"They'll be a lot of letters going out" to zoning violators, Chuey said Friday.
"He was willing to take the $7 an hour," Safety Director Rex Funge responded when asked how Chuey was selected, in addition to his strong position for keeping up neighborhoods.
The city hasn't had a zoning inspector since Jan. 1 when Funge retired as assistant engineer/zoning inspector.
Job suited him
Chuey, 74, said he wasn't looking for a full-time job because he doesn't have the time and didn't want to pay more taxes.
Chuey is an example in cleaning up his own neighborhood. He's purchased three houses in his Prospect Street neighborhood, fixed them up and rents them.
The living room of one of the houses he bought was being used to repair engines.
"Pigs! That's basically what they are," Chuey asserted. "This is insane."
"Somebody has to be responsible," he added. "This is the way people are living all over this town."
Chuey said he and city Engineer David Hall have been going around the city since Tuesday listing violations. He warns any slum landlords that the city is going after them.
"Beware, we're coming after them in a big way," Chuey said firmly. "I'd like to see them disappear."
He pointed out that about 57 percent of the single-family houses in the city have become rental properties. He explained that when an older, affordable house goes on sale, it's snapped up as rental property.
Chuey said he'd like to see a city incentive program so homeowners can fix up their houses rather than sell them.
Chuey also lamented that contractors aren't getting licenses to work in the city, nor are they taking out building permits. A contractor is required to pay $100 for a license and $50 to have it renewed.
"There's a lot of money lost because of situations like that," Chuey asserted.
yovich@vindy.com