Ordinance proposes to clean up nuisance properties

Citizens-Times - ASHVILLE N.C. - An ordinance proposed by the Haywood County Board of Commissioners would let the county decide whether or not a person's property poses a threat to people's “health, safety and general welfare.” At a Board of Commissioners meeting held earlier this month, many residents spoke out in opposition to the proposed ordinance, saying it trampled the rights of property owners and smacked of communism.

Court May Force Junk Enforcement

Caledonia Argus - Caledonia MN -  Third District Judge has ordered a 45-day discovery period to determine whether the city of Brownsville is enforcing its own zoning ordinance.  At last week's scheduling conference, Judge Fabian said he was directing the city to enforce its zoning ordinance. "Is it something that's going to resolve itself?" he asked.  The Judge said that there was room for discretion in the case, but said this case concerned public health, welfare, and safety of the community. For example, there are is an allegation that there are a number of vehicles creating a public nuisance and the zoning ordinance is not being enforced, the judge said.  A Council Member said the proponents in the case had a personal vendetta that goes deeper than the court filing.

 

Junk Ordinance committee recommends incentives

Craig Daily Press - Moffat County - The Junk Ordinance Advisory Committee has proposed incentives and a more flexible schedule for countywide clean-up days, the Junk Ordinance Advisory Committee reported to the Moffat County Commissioners Monday. The opportunities for residents to dispose of trash and junk should be more accessible. If any changes are made in how the county defines or deals with trash, it should be done by strengthening the existing ordinances rather than creating another ordinance specifically targeted at junk, said Sue Graler, Moffat County Panning Department director.

"The committee felt the county should make the landfill and clean-up days more accessible to people that live too far out to get items to the landfill," she said. "They think reorganization or setting-up Craig clean-up days differently could help. The advisory committee also feels that the community does not favor a new regulation, a Junk Ordinance."

One of the options suggested by the committee was a coupon that would allow a person or household to use the landfill at Craig clean-up day rates if they couldn't make the three-day window that the county usually provides. Another option would be the formation of community groups that would offer assistance to individuals or households that are unable to dispose of their trash and junk, and offer incentives for those who offer assistance.