Take a look at this property on Bridle Path in Southampton Township. It has become an eyesore.
"Its embarrassing for me, people come over and the first thing they comment on is what's going on with that house down the street," said Resident Donna Visco.
The weeds and overgrown shrubs have become so bad neighbors are now tending to the lawn. Township officials say enforcement code officers have tried to get the owner who hasn't lived there for years to clean it up but no luck.
"The only people taking care of it are the neighbors and how much can they do they have their own property to tend to," said Resident Paul Bryson.
Distressed homes due to the economic downturn have become a growing problem in the area. So the township is proposing an ordinance. It places restrictions on poorly kept properties where weeds, dying trees, and debris pose a public health threat. Violators could face up to 1000 dollars in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
"Its good law cause three years now have to look at this and its nice neighborhood, "said Bryson.
"I think its a good idea whether or not it will change anything , I think you be embarrassed for everyone to know that's how you keep the lawn, " said Visco.
Southampton Township isn't alone. Other municipalities in Burlington County are struggling with similar problems. Delran is also looking into increasing fines for homeowners who don't tend to their landscape.
A public hearing in Southampton is scheduled for Aug. 21.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:49 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:49:33 GMT
You'll never believe who is dancing circles around these people. Meet the Allentown-area lady with the fancy footwork that leaves her disciples breathless!
You'll never believe who is dancing circles around these people. Meet the Allentown-area lady with the fancy footwork that leaves her disciples breathless!
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:13 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:13:58 GMT
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots and claimed 24 lives.
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots and claimed 24 lives.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:04:07 GMT
Bucks County EMT Bryan Elwell is heading out to Oklahoma to help assist overwhelmed emergency responders dealing with the deadly tornado aftermath in Moore, just outside Oklahoma City. He's prepared
Two local EMTs are headed to Oklahoma to help victims and crews dealing with the aftermath of a deadly tornado.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:08:36 GMT
Police in Lancaster say they've detained two men in an investigation prompted by a woman's call to 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Police in Lancaster say they've detained two men in an investigation prompted by a woman's call to 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:59 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:59:26 GMT
A man was critically injured Tuesday in New Castle by an explosion that happened while he opened an antique army ammunition box he picked up from his neighbors trash.
A man was critically injured Tuesday in New Castle by an explosion that happened while he opened an antique army ammunition box he picked up from his neighbors trash.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:01:25 GMT
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
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