Here we go again. This is so frustrating. This is a vacant, neglected house that is far worse than the photo shows. The backyard is disgusting. There are weeds and debris 4 feet tall and a mound of yard waste that would be a haven for mice and rats. I live directly next door and I am constantly removing vines and weeds from his yard that encroach on my property and the privacy fence is buckling due to a tree from his yard. This problem is ongoing year after year. The home itself is an eyesore with rotting windows, peeling paint on the porch,and sagging gutters. It is an embarrassment to the street and to the city.

Has the city taken this property owner to court yet? How long does a resident have to live under conditions like this?

I live on the other side of this abandoned house. Constantly fighting overgrown nuisance trees and vines also. Another summer of the same disgusting mess. As neighbors we have even tried to help the owner of this house. Obviously he does not care about anyone.

Tall weeds, unsightly door.

Weeds overtaking dilapidated steps.

Backyard out of control.

Thank you for reporting the tall grass/overgrown weeds in the area to the City of St. Charles. Our Community Development Department has been notified about this request and an inspector will be by to check for violations. We appreciate your help in improving the look of our City!

Thank you for your comments and providing photos, I will get these to our Community Development Director ASAP along with citing the owner for any current violations.

Work order sent to have the grass cut at this property. We are not authorized to enter the backyard and the privacy fence does not allow us to see what you are reporting. If you would like to send photos, you can email them to jennifer.wohldmann@stcharlescitymo.gov

Also, I have submitted the pictures on this thread to Community Development. Thank you!

Thank you for the quick response. We will report again when the grass grows back.

Thanks for fixing this issue!

Thank you so much for addressing this issue. They cut the front yard and it will look good for a couple of weeks. They use to clear the backyard also. Has something changed? I do appreciate everything you have done to resolve our neighborhood problem home.

The backyard was indeed cut the last time the city sent out a crew. In fact, the workers told me it was the worst they had ever seen. The problem was, they couldn't fit the riding mower through the gate and had to cut the whole yard with a weed whacker. The crew this time actually went to the backyard, looked around and cut the front yard only and left. A weed whacker will not do the job and neither will a riding mower. It is going to take people actually removing debris to even make it safe to mow. The situation this time is no different than any of the last times, except the backyard is worse. No one will take any responsibility....not the homeowner nor the city. I see this property as a real hazard. This property will decrease the value of the neighboring homes and a real concern exists that it could become a haven for some criminal activity.

That is what I remember too. I thought they took a picture of how awful it was. I took pictures of what the trees are doing to the house but you have to see it to feel how bad it is. Sent them to Jennifer. Pretty Soon I guess I will get to pay to keep the trees from destroying my roof.

Yes, last year the backyard was addressed. It was cut, In fact, the mowing service guys told me it was the worst they had ever seen. I was outside when the mowing service came by yesterday (or the day before), They opened the back gate, looked around and went to the front yard. I know that the stand on lawn mower won;t fit in the gate and they probably didn't know what to do. I appreciate the fact that the city acted quickly, but the problem still exists.

Back yard has not been addressed. Please see video:

http://youtu.be/0OUcGJy3s7s

I understand your frustration, but it is important to remember this is private property and the homeowners responsibility. There is only so much the City can do legally and financially. We will continue to pursue compliance from the homeowner and do what maintenance we can on the yard. I will forward the pictures you sent to our Community Development Director. Thank you.

Thank you so much for whatever you are able to accomplish. True we are understandably frustrated.

Excellent video of how awful it truly looks.

The property was cut this afternoon. Community Development called the contractor and she stated that a crew was already on their way to that address to finish up from last week. They couldn't cut the rear at the same time as the front because of the fence and not being able to get their mowers in the rear yard as you noted. They are weeding it and cutting now with a push mower. Also, a summons has been issued to the owner of this property to appear in court. We will continue to monitor. Thank you!

Backyard has been taken care of. The guys did an excellent job. It's really never looked better. Thank you so much for taking care of this issue.

I just went over to thank the two young men who took care of 1069 entire yard. They did a really great job. They were also respectful. Thank you too, Jennifer for handling this. Madison street looks and feels a lot better today.

I agree they did an amazing job. Very nice and respectful young men. I told them they deserved a medal for taking care of that mess.

Thanks for fixing this issue!

Thanks for fixing this issue!

I thank you as well.