South Side homeowner cited for squalid conditions

Children Services was
notified to check on a child found in the house.

YOUNGSTOWN — The owner of a South Side home without water service for more than three months was cited by a housing code enforcement officer for squalid and unsafe living conditions.

William Miller, 48, of 1020 Lakewood Ave., was upset at the prospect of being given 72 hours to vacate his dwelling — based on no water — and argued with housing inspectors Monday, police said.

Laura Fulmer, code enforcement officer, told him that occupants are required to have water service. She said in her report that his service was shut off Sept. 28, 2007, and he owes $2,187.

Miller was arraigned Tuesday in municipal court on a series of housing code violations. He is due back in court Feb. 11.

Fulmer requested a caseworker from Mahoning County Children Services come to the Lakewood property Monday but was told none were available and a supervisor would be notified. The request was made after a 3-year-old girl was found in the house.

Fulmer’s report shows the exterior of 1020 Lakewood is missing gutters and downspouts, the siding is falling off and needs paint, the front porch steps are crooked and dangerous and the chimney deteriorated and falling down. Several windows are broken, with some covered with cardboard held by duct tape.

The porch is littered with tires, vehicle parts, filthy blue tarps, stacks of wood, empty cardboard boxes, dirty mops and lawn chairs, toilet plungers, storm windows, screens and assorted trash.

Inside, inspectors said they found a foul smell, the stove and kitchen sink with months’ worth of caked-on food and filth, dirty dishes, chipped ceiling paint, no doors on the kitchen cupboards and weak stairs leading to the second floor that were covered with dog feces. Once-white sheets on children’s bunk beds were black from filth, and lights fixtures are missing from several bedrooms, leaving only natural light coming in through broken windows.

The toilet was filled with urine and feces. The little girl, who didn’t appear hungry or hurt, was found in a dark room watching TV with a woman, reports show.