I've seen this place. It's completely overgrown with waist high weeds. There are rodents running in out of what is left of the building. There is good reason to be concerned for neighborhood children. The place is an accident waiting to happen. I feel bad for the people who have to live near this wreck. Can't the city do anything about this on grounds of public safety?

I saw the previous post about the weeds which piqued my interest. I went by not too long ago and it still looks like an entire muddle to me. I encourage any one in the area to drive/walk by this property. You will never see anything like it I guarantee it. I remember mid-summer the weeds were so enormous the yard looked like a true jungle (I don’t need to do that safari in Africa now!). It actually looked better at that point; the foliage covered the trash that completely litters the lot. It is truly shameful what some people will do.

I saw the comment from the weed complaint, “This is a construction zone”. More like a “deconstruction zone”. After all, the property has been condemned by the city right? Construction…ha! If that is construction I am a toad.

I can only imagine what this has done to the property values of the immediate neighbors.

If everyone is so concerned, please post your ACTUAL name instead of creating multiple posts under a pseudonym. There is a valid demolition permit on this property. I also noticed that the insulation is in the process of being removed, the boat is indeed seaworthy and is trailered, and the vehicle is tarped properly in the back yard. Construction materials (such as insulation, pipe, and joists) are legitimate on a construction site. As for "neighborhood children," the front and sides of the property is fenced and there is a 'No Trespassing' sign poasted as well. Stop with the hypocrisy.

A fence or a no trespassing sign is not going to stop a curious child, not to mention there is a large gaping hole in the front fence. This property is a blight on the city of New Haven. It's too bad the owners aren't able to own up to their failure and do something about it.

I re-checked and there is not a gaping hole in the fence on the front of the property, unless you are referring to the driveway :) Might I also point out that given some of the above comments, you would have to be TRESPASSING in order to see some of the items listed. Thank you.

For the record, please at least list what you would like to owners to do--specifically--with regards to this property. Thank you.

This record will stay open until it is resolved.

Hello everyone (a whopping two of you, I suspect) and thanks for your "concern." You will notice that the weed trimming has already begun as of last week and will continue when everything dries back out. In addition, 50% of the "moldy" insulation was removed last week, with the remaining 50% scheduled for removal this week. Finally, since it is now officially Fall, the garden will be dismantled as well. Thanks.

Any kid can go up the driveway and get killed in that mess. There is NO fence stopping kids or pets from getting near or into the condemned building. If I'm not mistaken, construction sites usually have a fence all the way around them. This is an accident and lawsuit waiting to happen.

And we live around the corner and those weeds weren't started to be trimmed until a couple days ago. That trimming didn't even put a dent in the weed patch. Here is a pic we took today on our walk.

[IMG]http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm222/memetiq/seeclickfix/IMG_4680.jpg[/IMG]

What a disgrace!

[IMG]http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm222/memetiq/seeclickfix/IMG_3018.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm222/memetiq/seeclickfix/IMG_4664.jpg[/IMG]

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm222/memetiq/seeclickfix/IMG_3018.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm222/memetiq/seeclickfix/IMG_4664.jpg

"For the record, please at least list what you would like to owners to do--specifically--with regards to this property. Thank you. [sic]"

The owners should sell it. Preferably to someone who knows what they are doing. I know for a fact that the Everyone in the area would be very happy if that was to happen.

"For the record, please at least list what you would like to owners to do--specifically--with regards to this property. Thank you. [sic]"

The owners should sell it. Preferably to someone who knows what they are doing. I know for a fact that the Everyone in the area would be very happy if that was to happen.

"I re-checked and there is not a gaping hole in the fence on the front of the property, unless you are referring to the driveway"

Oh yeah, that. What's it called? Oh Yeah, a gaping whole.

"Can't have unregistered/uninsured cars on property without a junk yard permit. LCI should take a look into this. "

I second that.

If you are the issue creator you can add a photo from the original email that was sent to you on creation.

09/29: swale cut.

09/29: garden dismantled.

09/30-10/01: construction materials removed from front yard

09/30-10/01: front and side yards trimming

I drove by this place 12 hours ago, and although this SeeClickFix issue seems to have spurred the owner, after many months of non-activity, to start cleaning the visible part of the yard, it is still a complete wreck.

Hi Matt!

We were at a party next door yesterday and there is still a pile of black mold covered insulation in the front yard. And there is other junk (rusty metal, chunks of cement, etc) in the front yard besides that.

This is a site with both valid construction permits and demolition permits. Both construction and demolition materials are permitted.

"construction materials removed from front yard"

No they weren't. I also saw stuff all over the front yard the other day.

And since when is an abandoned tarped car building materials?

When will this be resolved? We have this eyesore, then, a nicely maintained home, then, a foreclosed property that belonged to a state lawmaker that's going to hell in a handbag all in a row. These two properties are blights on our street and attract illegal activity.

I frequently drive by this property, and it never seems to change. What a blight.

I live next to this property and it definitely has not changed for 3+ years. I had a rodent infestation of my home this past winter due to the blight and neglect of next door (a clan of squirrels squat in the abandoned structure). Rest assured if I had a dime for every time someone has asked me, "what's going on next door?" I could pay the mortgage on next door. It's not just the immediate neighbors who are disgusted. Many neighborhood residents, from Pine Street to Front Street, ask what's going on. It's humiliating to me when I have friends from work or out of town over. It would be nice for my kids to experience a better environment in their neighborhood, rather than a depressing site/sight that they have to look at daily. LCI needs to intervene. Reminds me I need to call the office.
p.s. this is my first posting re: this; I don't post anonymously. I'll post some photos tomorrow so all can see what I'm talking about. Don't have them on this computer.

Has anybody called LCI on this issue? I can't imagine that they'd let this slide.

Livable City Initiative
165 Church Street, 3rd Floor
New Haven, CT 06510
203-946-7090
Also, consider posting a picture. Pictures help.

I've been asked to list my name instead of being anonymous. I am responsible for three previous comments on this issue.

I too have lived next door to this mess for 3+ years. I am a proud home owner and am doing everything I can to keep my property in the shape that it is in, not only for my own satisfaction, but also out of respect for my fellow neighbors who have taken the time to do the same. It is appauling to live next door to such irresponsible arrogance. The lack of support from the city on this issue is equally as disgusting. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE!

In response to J. Hart, this "house" has been a problem for several years, and this is not the only thread about it on SeeClickFix. As far as I can tell, NOTHING has been done, and I imagine that Ben has made any number of city offices aware of this problem via SeeClickFix. Marianne, as your neighbor, I can commiserate, and I am so sorry about the embarrassment, rodent issues, and other problems living next to this mess have caused you. The owner appears to think that only one specific neighbor finds his/her property a danger, eyesore, health risk, etc., but I think just about everyone in the neighborhood has had it with this monstrosity.

I agree and am only commenting again to reopen the issue which should not be closed until it is resolved..

I would still call LCI and get a case worker on it. You have more accountability that way. They are very good and very thorough. They are on me like white on rice over an overgrown hedge. I've spend tens of thousands of dollars restoring and renovating my home, and I'm in trouble over a hedge. Don't get me wrong, they're in the right and I need to fix it. They're really very decent people. But this is a hedge and they have made damn sure that I do something about it and fast. You're talking about an entire home that sounds like a public health nightmare. I can't believe that they would let something like this slide. Call LCI, get a case worker, and follow up. SeeClickFix is a great tool for communication and incident tracking, but it's not a substitute for human interaction. Don't expect anybody to voluntarily take ownership of an issue. Make human contact with a real, live caseworker and follow up.

I have called LCI. The Fair Haven case worker is named Laurie Lopez Johnson. Her phone number is 203-946-7732.

As a Front Street neighbor that walks on Lewis Street regularly I must agree with the other complaints. This property is not only an eyesore but appears quite hazardous. The property next door is cared for meticulously by the owners. I can't even imagine having to live next door to this dump. I really do hope that LCI gets involved and resolves this issue for the hardworking neighbors that keep up their yards and homes. Please put an end to this mess!

I am pretty disgusted by this property. LCI hasn't been much help either. From the way it looks, I am sure it probably has mold issues and is certainly uninhabitable. Why has this public eyesore been allowed to remain as it is? Too many people have spent countless hours and money fixing up their historic homes and yet this remains untouched? Its a disgrace to the entire neighborhood. I hope LCI is listening!!!

First of all, I’d like to say thanks to those of you who have actually posted your names, because up to this point it seemed that everything was being done anonymously by one particular, vengeful person, so thanks for that. We hear you loud and clear.

As an interested party to 17 Lewis Street, I concur completely with J.Hart’s comment that “SeeClickFix is a great tool for communication and incident tracking, but it's not a substitute for human interaction,” even if I am taking it slightly out of context. This sudden flurry of comments about 17 Lewis, after five months of silence, makes me wonder what midnight meeting of the Lewis Street Interested Parties I missed. We have never received a single comment from any of our neighbors (near or far) concerning the property, in all seriousness. If we had, we would have worked to rectify the problem immediately, which is why Kristin’s accusation that we are “arrogant” is completely out of character for us. We definitely never intended to become the “bad” neighbor in all of this, and I suspect that most of you have no idea the hoops we’ve been made to jump through to try to build a house; it’s been unreal. I should write a book.

Instead of coming to us, though (or even slipping a note into our mailbox), anyone who has had a problem with us, legitimate or otherwise, decided to go straight to the City, which makes it considerably harder for us to rectify problems while simultaneously bowing to their every whim. They wanted a fence put up; we complied. We heard anonymous complaints about building materials in the front yard; we removed them. We even cut down the sunflowers that apparently were not allowed to still be in the garden past their prime. Who knew? We heard of complaints about non-building materials in the back yard and we had those removed, as well.

If you have a problem, you need to let us know, please. There is no animal infestation in the structure; claims of this nature are simply not true, as there is nowhere for them to infest. It’s a poured concrete slab, pure and simple and solid. The house is closed, sealed and is not infested, either. We’re over at the property often enough to know its condition.

It has been made plain and clear to us, through various channels, that our neighbors are not interested in having us on our property, let alone building a house next to them. Consequently we are complying with that as well. What more do you want? When we try to build (with valid permits!) we’re harassed, and when stop building, we’re harassed. In fact the most recent stop to the building process (and the one before that) was brought on 100% by the neighbors, not us. Yet we’re the ones being maligned here, and in a conveniently anonymous fashion until today.

I for one think it is past time for everyone involved/interested to have a calm, mediated discussion about this property, so that all complaints can be heard, and so that we are able to tell our side of the story, as it’s pretty evident that this has been one-sided for a long time now. Would any of you be willing to meet with us concerning this, and to present what changes you would like to see? This is an open invitation Heather, Marianne, Mike, Kristin, J.Hart, Matt, Jeanene, J.Dubicki, and anyone else who’s interested in this issue. You may contact us any time at FairHaveners@Hotmail.com. We are actually nice people, and I think you’ll find that we’re willing to bend over backwards to get along with people because believe me, it’s SO much easier that way. What do you have to lose?

Thank you,
Heather

I think the city just needs to do its job. This has simply gone on for too long. Everyone is obviously frustrated and tired for good reason. I live down the street, and this property is having adverse effects in a numbers of areas: home values, safety, etc. The city needs do to something asap.

Hello Heather of 17 Lewis,
It's three weeks late for April Fools, so I'm going to assume you're serious that you thought people in the neighborhood thought 17 Lewis was acceptable and not the total disaster that it is.

Even though it's a bit beside the point, I must mention this. Of all the offenses you have committed against as "neighbors" at 21 Lewis, including things we have been to court about (and I won, mind you), why would I make up a story about squirrels? My office looks right out onto that white structure- I see them coming in and out of the eaves of the "house." Remember you left the windows open all summer and fall? I was here on maternity leave with my new baby, and while I was on pain meds for a couple of weeks- they weren't THATstrong. I didn't imagine the family of squirrels coming and going. I use this point to illustrate that this is all beyond a coffee chat. The structure needs to be demolished. It's a city issue because you clearly cannot comply to legal codes, as time has shown. Your concrete slab, as you call it , is 5.5 inches beyond the setback line as it is. I paid a surveyor a pretty penny to prove that. Documents are at City Hall. We're waiting for you to apply for your variance. When you do and the meeting is held, you can meet all the people who have posted here, and then some, in person because we will all be there, and then we can all chat about 17 Lewis. See you at 200 Orange (City Hall, where variances are decided)?

Thanks for the offer, Heather, but I live on the other side of town and have plenty of other irons in the fire. Good luck to you and your neighbors in working things out.

First of all, my well intended post was not meant as an April Fools joke, and I’m sorry if you took it that way. Nor was I calling your sanity into question, or accusing you of lying. We have no illusions that the property is an eyesore to many, including us. Since we have received clear indication that we are not welcome on our own property at any time, we decided to take a break and stay away. We have a valid demolition permit for the remaining structure, and would very much like to see it come down, but when we’re forced to spend our time defending ourselves rather than working, things get put on hold.

I’d also like to clarify about this variance requirement. It is certainly true that the Building Department is questioning the side yard variance measurement, after their own property line maps were shown to be incorrect. However they are requiring MORE proof than they’ve already received, and this is our current obstacle. If it were as simple as applying for a variance, it would have been done many, many months ago. However they require an additional survey that shows both the property line AND the existing structure, and as you are already aware, property surveys are not inexpensive. So that’s where we stand on that issue. Unfortunately it’s not as simple as just applying for a variance. I wish it were. And seriously, 5.5 inches? You halted construction over 5.5 inches?

To Clarify:
We do not decide where emails go at SeeClickFix.
The watch areas that send alerts are created by users. You can see those watch areas and who received alerts above to the right.

The reason we are all recently complaining after months from the initial posts is most likely because the sun is shining, and the neighborhood is looking lovely again—except for 17 Lewis! My family and I have lived on the other side of this “house” for more than two years and have basically ignored the problem for so long because it’s just too depressing. I also see squirrels living in the home, and I have a view of the eyesore-of-a-“fence” that the owners put up. I wish people could see this “fence” and “house” because no one would believe it. I can’t even go into my backyard because every time I look at 17 Lewis all I can think about is the fact that I am now trapped in my house next to this atrocity. What choice do I have now? No one would ever buy our house now because no one in their right mind would want to live next to 17 Lewis. Now that the weather is warming, we plan to finish the renovations on our house. Unfortunately, our investments mean nothing when we must live next to this “house.” Our house has depreciated because of 17 Lewis, and all the time, money and effort seems wasted. Yet (Heather and Keith) we all know the real reason I can’t look at your house! Since LCI has not taken any interest in fixing this problem (and I know there’s been effort put into it), I invite Mayor DeStefano to come over to 15 Lewis Street any Saturday morning for a cup of coffee and tell me what he plans to do to improve this serious problem.

Just 3 clarifications and one amplification:
1. 1/4" over the setback line is enough to stop construction. 5.5" is an ENORMOUS amount. You can check with any professional contractor or architect for verification on that. (For those who don't know, the setback line, established by city ordinance, defines the minimum distance between any building or structure and an adjacent property line. New Haven's minimum is 8 feet. )
2. The next step to continue construction is for the owners to apply for a variance. I have a copy of the letter that was sent to the owners of 17 Lewis. All building permits have been rendered invalid until this matter is addressed. Once at the hearing, the owners have burden of proof to show that they have not OR
why they should be able to build over the setback line. That's where the aforementioned "not inexpensive" survey comes in. Which, of course, I know all about , since I dug deep into my own pockets to have the property line surveyed professionally already, and he only took cash, so if you don't have the money for such professional services, you probably don't have the money to finish this construction properly, so why don't you just put the property on the market?
4. Jeneane is so right- I saw 17 Lewis from their side last summer, and I almost threw up. She's being kind using the word "depressing." It's horrifying. I thought we had a bad view- theirs is a nightmare. If you think this thing looks bad from the street, you should all come and take a side view. Or perhaps good neighbor Heather will offer tours of the property itself?

I feel as though I should add my name, too, since I am the one responsible for restarting this thread under "Lewis Street Resident." I have rented 4 Lewis Street since 2005, yet I consider this house to be my and my daughters' HOME and treat it as such. I sweep and shovel the sidewalk, pick up trash, weed and prune plants in the flower beds, mow, etc., because I want my girls and I to be proud of where we live and maintain it nicely, and I respect and care about my landlords and want to treat their property with respect. I don't even pretend to understand the ins and outs of the situation with 17 Lewis, but I do know that it is an eyesore and a health hazard for any number of reasons. If no one is ever there, who's to say that people who shouldn't be there aren't using the property for illegal activities? I frequently find condom wrappers, used condoms, baggies that presumably contained drugs, etc. while walking on our street. It's awful, and yet it sounds like we have a lot of folks on our street who want it to be a wonderful place. Maybe we could band together to clean up some of this mess? I know Jeanene and Matt, but, Marianne, I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting. Heather of 17 Lewis, you may be a very nice person, I'm not questioning that, but 17 Lewis is creating problems on our otherwise lovely little street, and the construction or lack thereof has now been going on for several years with no visible progress.

To Heather of 17 Lewis:
I have heard what you have said regarding your property. I actually just took a walk with my family past it since I hadn’t probably since last fall. Shame on you!! Whatever your beef with the City, hold ups, etc, whatever your excuse there is simply NO EXCUSE for the shape of that property. EVER. The building is not secure and the "yard" is an arrangement of debris. This is NOT what our neighborhood is about. What I would like to hear from you is a timeline of what you propose to do about this property THIS year. I have heard mention on this site about a variance. When will you apply? Are you talking with a contractor regarding this property? Why haven't you done the bare basics of yard management? So many questions and really all I have heard about is how you are the victim of the City and neighbors ramping up their harassment of you. Well, ENOUGH. There is NO ONE preventing you from doing simple maintenance of this property. And if you say you have, I would seriously have to question your judgement regarding what you find acceptable. As somenone who has spent the past 10+ years rebuilding a house that was boarded up and trashed when purchased, I again say shame on you for bringing the rest of us who love this neighborhood down. If you are incapable of handling this property then just sell it to someone who will make it look decent. Get it together and stop making excuses for your absenteeism.

I mean if you lived next to that everyday for years what would you do?

I want to thank everyone for their posts. It is refreshing to hear that others are also concerned about this property. I also wanted to add to Libby’s comments—all of which add to this dialogue. I am not just furious that my property had depreciated since I have moved in—mostly because of 17 Lewis. I am not just upset that the property is a health hazard for many reasons. I am not just upset that I have to look at the monstrosity of a house every day of the year. And I am not just upset that I must raise my two-year old here because no one would buy my house. Another issue is the crime happening on this street because of this property. I have seen several prostitutes across the street from 17 Lewis, and this is most likely why the neighbors find used the condoms on the street. I have also seen a number of drug deals going on right across the street from 17 Lewis, and this is may be where some of those drug baggies are coming from. If criminals see that no one in the government cares about the property at 17 Lewis, criminals may likewise think that no one cares about what happens on the street; and this is a recipe for crime. I think the neighbors are upset and frustrated because this property has been allowed to remain like it is for so long. We feel abandoned and neglected. Sometimes we even feel that our lives are in danger with the crime happening in front us. We have all worked hard our entire lives to make a good home for our families, and we see that prospect being threatened. We do not understand why nothing has happened. What I want is to see the house torn down and the owners to move out of the neighborhood. Based on what I’ve seen over the last three years, I do not think the owners are responsible enough to create an acceptable living space. I am afraid that they will continue making a mess out of our street—ultimately damaging our standard of living and our love for the neighborhood. It really is a wonderful neighborhood with some really awesome neighbors and sites. So, it is sad to see such neglect and disrespect happening here.

Look, we could quibble forever about the finances involved in building a house, or why all these posts starting popping up

again, or even why people are using metaphors and talking about the 'real' reason they don't want to look at our property,

but that's not really the point of all of this. The fact is that you and our other anti-neighbors made it very plain that

you did not want us living/building/being next door to you, prior to any property issues, and you did everything within your

power to keep us away as long as possible. Well congratulations, it worked. It's not as if you went running to the Building

Department with the slew of violations that were being perpetrated by others in the area, only us, so your intentions were

quite clear. You've succeeded in doing exactly what you wanted and now you're complaining about the results. There's more

than one way to resolve an issue with your neighbors. You took the hard, expensive road, and now we're all paying for it.

The more it costs us in defense, the longer it will take to spend any money on the property; that's how the math works.

We can't possibly comply with every whine we've seen on this anonymous board, and I think you realize that. Even I think

complaints about sunflowers are absurd. We removed the various items that were being complained about earlier in the front

and back yard, and we're working on stripping/demolishing the remaining portion of the old structure. We know it's an

eyesore, we hate it as well, and of course we'll comply with whatever else gets thrown our way. If you want to see progress,

let us alone long enough to accomplish it.

Want to buy the property or know someone who does? Email us an offer.

Libby, I hear you loud and clear, and even when we first bought and lived on the property, we were always having to pick up
condoms, baggies, empty alcohol bottles, and even chase away the johns, so I know that's been a problem even before we moved
to New Haven; it's not something can be blamed solely on our property, for sure.

I'd love to meet you, as well, and let you see that I'm definitely not the monster that certain individuals would like to imply. I pick up our area of the street every time I come by to pick up the mail (more when it's warmer; less when it's colder), and I can also assure you that there's no illegal activity occurring on the property, other than the items that
certain people have stolen from us!

As I've stated before, we're aware it's a problem and we are working on it. Feel free to email us at
FairHaveners@Hotmail.com, as well. Thanks.

Heather F, we've been working on the property for the last month or so, and will be continuing to work on it. Since you asked,
here's what I've scheduled/have completed so far:
March 29 - April 4: remove vehicle and sailboat; remove misc metal for scrap (furnace, ductwork, downspouts, etc); remove load of wood from back fence

April 12 - 18: Weeding, tilling, planting in front yard; remove tomato cages from side yard

April 19-25: pack/remove personal items from original structure

April 26-May 2: WT dumpster scheduled to arrive; remove building materials from back yard

Like I said, we've been working on it for about a month now. In general I agree with you about the yards (side and back, at
least), but honestly, it wouldn't have made a bit of difference one way or the other. We could have the best landscaping in
the world and we'd still have the same litany of issues that we have now. Want to meet up and discuss at some point? The
e-mail's above. Thanks.

I, Jeanene Lynn Breisch of 15 Lewis Street, am not an anonymous “anti-neighbor.” In fact, all of us are not anti-neighbors. Anti-neighbors do not have decent homes and do not respect the people around them. Anti-neighbors create chaos and filth. Anti-neighbors make everyone around them unhappy. To me it seems that every neighbor in Fair Haven is happy with all our neighbors—except for the owners of 17 Lewis. Does anyone really think it is irrational to be disgusted to live next to 17 Lewis? Does anyone really think it is scary to raise a family here with all the filth and increased crime due to this property? I do not understand why the owners of 17 Lewis are you blaming the neighbors and the city. The “concerned-neighbors” in Fair Haven have a right to complain because what we see is not acceptable for ourselves, our children, or our neighborhood. We want real change to be made. If the owners plan on rebuilding, we want it rebuilt according to code and variance. It is as simple as that. This does not mean that we are "anti-neighbors" trying to sabotage the owners. Instead, we are concerned about our future here and our investments. Right now there is a water pool on the concrete slab that the owners created; soon that water pool will be breeding mosquitoes and creating mold. If the owners—Heather and Keith— are so concerned, come by and suck the water up some way. Also, the metal structure is leaning; if the owners are so concerned about the property, they should come by and take it down or fix it appropriately. Perhaps there were condoms and drug wrappers around the neighborhood before the owners moved in; however, the problem has increased since the owners have moved out, but the owners would not know much about that because they have not been around to care about their property over the winter. I honestly feel disgusted by the comments that Heather of 17 Lewis has created. I also feel disgusted by the lack of support from LCI or the government. Again, Mayor DeStefano or any other concerned official—please come by any Saturday morning for a great cup of coffee and a view of the most absurd structure you have ever seen in your life.

I got a call last evening informing me of all the action on “See Click Fix” regarding the 17 Lewis St debacle. I read through all the posts and I am very thankful to all the neighbors who have stepped up and taken this issue on. Sincerely, thank you.

And, thank you everyone for using your real names. Because, after reading the owners of 17 Lewis St seriously thought, “…it seemed that everything was being done anonymously by one particular, vengeful person”, it makes it quite obvious that it is not “one vengeful person” who thinks their construction masterpiece is an abomination. Yes, owners of 17 Lewis, you are in fact quite delusional. It is not one crazy person who thinks it is mess – it REALLY IS a mess. How many neighbors does it take for you to realize this fact? Oh yes, it is very much a mess you have created, and maintain, with a skill for such things I have never seen before.

It is almost pointless to reiterate that the condition of 17 Lewis St is like a backwoods, Appalachian homesteading experiment gone wild, and horribly wrong. Everyone knows it is a complete mess (except Mayor DeStefano for some reason). But let’s not dwell on that. The real issue is why nothing has been done by the city. Apparently a lot of people have been complaining about this mess and apparently the city has done little more than nothing. Revoking building permits and demo permits is nothing. Let’s see some real action.

It’s funny that the owners of 17 Lewis St were accusing one “particular” person of being a “vengeful person”, when in fact, the person that I assume they were accusing could care less about them and does whatever possible not to think of them in any way. It is unfortunate that I even had to hear about the “See Click Fix”, Lewis St debacle and feel obligated to give my two cents.

Good luck with your variance, owners of 17 Lewis St. And good luck to the city when Channel 8 gets wind of this. Wasn’t this disaster already covered by the New Haven Independent?

I live 3 blocks away and when I started on See Click Fix and set up the area too watch this street i included. But in the pass two day I must have got 30 emails about this, with people going back and forth.

1.Has any of you complaining ever even spoke to these people liven there?

2. Why don't you get off the computer and see if you can lend ahand in getting it cleaned up. This weekend is going to nice out or would you just like to hide behind the computer and @#$% about it.

3. There is so many things wrong in Fair Haven like shootings, cars going fast on our streets and the loud music at all hours from cars driven around.

I understand people are upset and at there ends but be part of the care NOT the problem.

Since I think my previous posts have made it fairly plain that we agree it's a mess, I think it's only logical to conclude that we're not delusional. Again, we're aware it's a problem and we're working on it. Thanks.

Somebody really needs to hold LCI accountable for this. If the property is anything like you describe it it is violating all sorts of ordinances. In my experience LCI is very responsive. It sounds like the LCI rep for your area is completely a sleep at the switch and needs to be replaced or there aren't any violations to speak of. Since the latter seems unlikely, you need to take it up the food chain and speak with the supervisor of your rep. Speak with your alderman as well and get this taken care of. Bring it up at your next district management meeting. But you're not going to make any more progress here. Use the thread to communicate and organize, but take it to the next level. It's way too easy for public officials to ignore a thread on the internet.

Hey "Try to get along,"

I thought we were using "real names." We do, after all, want to be real neighbors, not "anti-neighbors." Why don't you use your real name? I hope to see you over at 17 Lewis Street on the weekend since it' going to be so nice. If I see you there, I know that the "real neighbors" actually care.

I am a SeeClickFix fanatic. I can't believe how many comments have been posed about this topic. It is commented on more than any other post on this site ever. It's hard to believe that all these people are making up the accusations about this property. The city officials in charge of this must be either asleep at the wheel or completely apathetic about the people they represent, which means they should be fired either way. OMG.

To all the *anonymous* people who are complaining about the multiple posts on this topic, please unsuscribe- you haven't had to live beside /have your children play next to this mess for 3 years while watching your tax bill increase 20% each year. I have.

Let the neighbors have their say. We live in a Facebook, blogging, Twitter universe- this is the way things get done nowaday. Deal with it or log off. The OWNERS and CITY OFFICIALS NEED TO KNOW this is not a small deal. And for the people on Lewis Street who have been suffering with this debacle (while simultaneously being accused of "harassment" and "lying" and "stealing" and "spying and tattling"), well, we deserve, at the very least, some online validation.

Heather,
I have tried to contact you at the email address you stated here, but have not heard from you so I wanted to make sure you had every opportunity to respond. Here's what I wrote in the email I send you:

From reading (and commenting) on the 17 Lewis Street property there seems to be some conflicts. You wrote in one of your comments that you would be open to having a discussion. I hope this is still true and would like to invite you to a Quinnipaic River Community Group meeting on May 12th to discuss this issue. If you haven't heard of us we are a grassroots community group dealing with issues on both sides of Q-River in hopes of making our community stronger and better for all. I believe some residents of 17 Lewis Street will also be there to discuss this and to be fair to everyone I want you to be able to speak on the topic...it is afterall, your property!!

Also, I just want to let you know that someone will be moderating the discussion so it remains fair and respectful. The goal is that no one feels "attacked" because, bottom line, we want a positive outcome. We have had meetings like this in the past with developers in the area and even Mayor, so we know that when people are passionate about a topic it can get a little heated. Based on some of the comments on see-click-fix, I think this may be one of the hot topics and want to assure you we will do our best to make sure the discussion remains fair and open and I have stated the same to your neighbors on Lewis Street.

Again, the meeting is at 7pm, May 12th at the Waucoma Yacht Club (in the upstairs hall). I hope you will join us and please feel free to ask any questions and of course please let me know if you can attend.
Thanks!
Heather

PS This meeting is open to ANYONE who would like to attend. Hope to see you there.

The case of a variance for 17 Lewis (condemned property) is going before the Board of Zoning Appeals tomorrow night (June 9th) at 200 Orange Street, 6:30 PM.

To see the results of the variance hearing:
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/06/steel_house_to.php

This ticket is going to be open for a long time.

Everyone agrees it is time to mow the weed patch. It hasn't been mowed once this year. The weeds are well over two feet tall, most of the rear yard has weeds over three feet tall. We will be contacting LCI Monday morning if this isn't resolved.

wow. though i've never even been on Lewis street, i'll comment anyways. First i think LCI itself needs a spring cleaning ,from top to bottom. I've seen them and their Community Management leaders desperately attempt at creating problems in the East Rock area for the longest time. I've went to meetings where the LCI representitive peeked in and ran for her life, i've heard absolutely belittling ,degrading ,abusive comments from this Management leader who could'nt finish a sentence, when asked about City loans and grants he stammered and stuttered worse than anything u can imagine- i was totally shocked at the ineptness and meanness , Then watched him throw debris around WITH HIS WIFE.
I see that this issue on Lewis street might not be of the same as other areas,maybe this ward has nothing to do and needs to retire

u r obviiosly retarted. what you say means nothing and makes no sense to what the issue are. you need to stick it to the facks. you even say you never been on Lewis street. so why do you even try to get up in the grill? I suspect you are Keith Johnson - that's why.

I know Keith Johnson has a lot to keep his plate full for quite a while. Maybe Keith Johnson should get to work maintaining his property(ies) - "that's right, we are Property Owners, huh", said Keith and Heather, with noses to the sky. Well, Property Owners, you do not have the time to be posting here, that is for sure.

Go ahead, try to discredit LCI all you want with these pathetic attempts to bring your delusion to reality. It's not going to happen. You are delusional. Seek medical attention ASAP.

Anyway, LCI is three days away. Better get to work.

(*content removed)
Learn to read first and just maybe you can learn to type - i stated nothing but facts ,
grow up and return to your counseler at once for immediate help

To Joey and anti-Joey,
Stop with the personal attacks. They are counter-intuitive to the dscussion and issues at hand. SCF is better than petty commentary. Grow up both of you.

ypical obstinance and belligerance that comes from LCI . The issues at hand is just what i was talking about ,and i stand corrected ,thank you.
p.s. you did not have to remove a part of my post ,there was no vulgarities or personal attack ,that was a cheap shot

First, I regret that I wasn't able to make it to Monday's meeting, though I am happy other neighbors were there. Second, please abide by Heather Findlay's request; it's simple and reasonable. Behaving immaturely and engaging in personal attacks is both counterproductive and counterintuitive to the issue at hand and doing so anonymously is cowardly. We simply want a safe, inhabited home built to standard, acceptable specs at 17 Lewis Street. We are a street and neighborhood of nice people who want everyone to feel welcome, safe, and happy with where they live.

I was on the street outside this property today, and the yard is a completely overgrown jungle. The fence to keep children out of the construction area has either been removed or trampled down. This property continues to be both a blight and an open hazard.

We peeked over our fence and noticed some serious out of control weeds where a lawn should be (see the picture). I think it is past due for some yard work.

Does anyone know what the status of this property is at this juncture? It appears that all work and maintenance have been at a complete standstill for quite some time.

The eminent domain process was begun about two to three weeks ago. It will likely be transferred to the New Haven Land Trust and will become another green space, similar to the plot on the corner of Grand Ave and Perkins St. The time-line is unknown at this point.

Personally I don't know that turning this into a "green space" (ie empty lot) is the best reuse for our neighborhood. Is the housing market really so terrible that this can't be reused for residential use?

I'm not an immediate neighbor (I live on Chatham St) so I guess I'd defer to the opinions of Lewis Street residents, but it seems to me that the better solution would be to tear it down and build a new house. That is, assuming it cannot be rehabbed, which it looks like it cannot.

My family has had to live next to it for four years while paying escalating taxes. It is a hazard to the neighborhood in many ways. It is blight, pure and simple. The "eminent domain" thing is all news to me and seems not very credible. We have appealed to the state building department to do something. The City of New Haven needs to move on it.

I live in the neighborhood, and I cannot believe the city has not done anything. It has been a problem for years. And to think, our taxes are going up when the city allows this to go on. What are we paying for in New Haven? Another reason to leave the city.

Has anyone called the Building Department for an Update??

203.946.8045 or 946.8040

Not for nothing, but a Puerto Rican male wearing dark, slightly over-sized, denim jeans and bright red, t-shirt (new looking), red baseball hat (new looking), sneakers, about 5'9", medium complexion, what appeared to be less than manly, facial scruffiness, and a thin build was seen in the rear yard of the condemned property this morning at approximately 9:30. He opened a window of the house next door, then went in back of the neighboring property to "scope out" the scene.

The police were called, but the suspect was not apprehended.

Last week, $200 in copper was stolen from 13 Lewis St.

FYI

This was voted on by BZA, and with a heavy recommendation from City Plan to "pass" the variance for 6 inches, because, if it was passed, the City could shepard and guide it to safe completion. According to the NHI:
"The six-inch oversight was due to the fact that Johnson was given a permit to build his house based on a tax map, which is less accurate than a survey map."

If that is the case, then the City failed twice: once in issuing a permit without a survey map, and second in not sheparding this process as they'd said they'd do.

I live near this tragic hazard. The city has been a complete failure on this issue. So many of us have worked for years to improve our corner of Fair Haven. It is simply unjust! Shame on the city.

This dwelling is a health hazard, unsafe and furthermore enables illegal activity in this family-oriented neighborhood. It's about time this eyesore is torn down!

Well, owners of 17 Lewis? I know you're on this list and reading the comments. What are your plans for this property in the near future? Enough is enough of your disrespect, arrogance, and irresponsibility! We want some answers. I speak for every resident of Lewis Street in saying so and the other 40 people in the neighborhood who signed the petition last spring who want you OUT.

I'm also a resident of Lewis Street, and this has gone on long enough. We have to look at this unfinished, abandoned eyesore every day, and it is both a blighted property and a safety hazard. Can we please get some help or at least some answers as to what the next steps are? This has been going on for, I think, four years now. How many free passes will the owners get before they are held accountable and finally forced to raze this project that's gone horribly awry?

The Health Department has been notified about the animal infestation. They are tracking down the appropriate agency to have the critters trapped and removed.

The weeds are also over a foot or two tall now. To say the yard needs some upkeep is a serious understatement.

Please, please, please, whatever City of New Haven department can help our community, can you please address this? There is a large pile of what appears to be insulation immediately across the street from this property now, too. I don't know if the owners of 17 Lewis left it there or where it came from, but nothing has changed with this property in I don't know how long. How long will this be allowed? It's really disheartening.

I say we all get together, tear down the structure, and use the money from the scrap metal we bring to Alderman&Dow to fix the property and make it into a park...maybe a dog park??? I mean, since the City won't do anything...

I love the idea of the dog park. Better hurry. I am seriously considering moving out of the neighborhood due to so many issues the city is not dealing with: this disaster at 17 Lewis - a danger and blight FOR YEARS. The speeding, and the city not implementing any traffic-calming measures WHEN WE WERE the neighborhood that brought these ideas to the city. Erin has moved. I might. Who next. The city has to support this neighborhood. I am others have worked for a decade and more to make this neighborhood a gem of the city. BUt the city has not been a good partner in this effort. Shame on city meanwhile, I am sure our taxes will go up.

Has anything happened to condemn this and dismantle it?

Nope. There it sits. A family of raccoons lives in it now.

Like the owner, I attempt to ignore this property. However, I walked by this place with my nephew who just moved to town, and he exclaimed, "Wow, what's the deal with that place?"

Eventually, someone is going to get badly hurt on the property. It will probably be a child. Then, the family is going to sue the city, which we all know is our money, which sucks, and then this whole story is going to explode. Unfortunately, that is what it will likely take to get this taken care of. We all know this disaster has seen at least Two (2) election years (maybe three).

Sadly, I agree. I just pray that it isn't one of my kids.

What can we as neighborhood residents do? I feel like we have tried every venue, avenue, EVERYTHING, and we are not being heard.

So, we now have racoons living there. Awesome. I imagine it is also attracting mice/rats, bugs, and maybe squatters.

I am also worried that our kids will get hurt. Little guys don't know better, and older kids are naturally curious. We have a lose-lose here...

Call the building Department to get an update 203.946.8040 or 203.946.8045.

Perhaps his permit is expired

Someone deleted my post apparently...

His permits were halted. Ultimately, it was due to a zoning violation; he built the "house" over the setback line. He needed to get a zoning variance to proceed. So, City Plan put some stipulations on the approval of the variance (without which he would have to demo a section of the mess and move it back over the setback line -- ouch!). As far as anyone knows, the dealine to comply was not met last June. He was allowed one, one year extension. That expires right about now. If it does, his permits will sit arrested and he will have to go through the zoning variance process again. I don't know if City Plan will grant him the variance again.

The cops are here. They suggested calling channel 8.

I saw the police car, but it looked like a tree was down. What happened????

Yes, a limb was down and that's why the officers were there last night, but the horribly blighted condition of 17 Lewis certainly caught the officers' eyes, knowing as much as they do about crime and how it infests neighborhoods through neglected properties like 17 Lewis. They also suggested we call Sgt. Johnson, the new district police manager for our neighborhood. Vermin, drug dealing, prostitution...none of this is good for Lewis Street. All neighbors should be deeply concerned about the city's lack of movement on this issue, especially Alderwoman Bauer and Mayor Destefano...it is an election year after all.

What is the status on this property? Can it be demolished yet? Is anything happening????

Wow, just wanted to see what else was going on in Fair Haven and I stumbled on this piece of work!! I've been reading almost an hour and only through half of it! This issue's been open since September 2008 - GEEZ. I could look up the property & see, but does "Heather" still own this place? I'll bet her lawyer told her to stop writing SeeClickFix comments LOL. Is this place for sale? What's the latest status here?

Oh yeah. If any of the neighbors to 17 Lewis still look at this, I have a suggestion. I moved into a house on Dover St. 3+ years ago. At the time the owner lived in it. She was like a hoarder on steroids. Junk all over. LCI was tremendously helpful. They helped this lady clean the place up and eventually helped her see the light that she couldn't manage owning the property. She sold it to an investor who, of course hasn't done a thing to maintain the yard. So I just go over there myself and weedeat the weeds down and cut the lawn. Now I don't have to look at my "eyesore". It's like my adopted house!

Wow! I forgot this was on SCF until I got an email update today!

I think the neighbors already do that, XX_New_Haven. I walk my dog by there and see people in the yard a lot. I see cars parked in the driveway a lot too. It may be the owners though I don't know. There was a horrible, teal Sunfire that was smashed in on one side that was parking there almost every day, but I think it was a neighbor because it was there all the time and I don't think that place is allowed to be lived in. That car is no longer parking there anymore at least lately. It is really crazy looking and just funny to look at, but I am sure the closer neighbors are going crazy. Can't someone buy it from whoever owns it? Does it have some kind of family history or story that keeps the owner from selling it? It would be great to know all the details about this. It is just so crazy!

According to the New Haven appraisal database (http://data.visionappraisal.com/newhavenct/findpid.asp?iTable=pid&pid=7618) it is still owned by Keith Johnson. It is a complete disgrace that the city allows this blight to continue.

The city has been a total failure on this. How long has it been? Five, six years? And no action. There you have it: Your tax dollars NOT at work. I will say it again: Shame on the city.

I live next to this property and have since the present owner bought it in 2006 and began his "construction," which has been shut down due to various violations of zoning/building rules. The owner, Keith Johnson, who is posting regularly on this thread under various psuedonyms, was ordered in 2009 by the City of New Haven to obtain a structural engineering audit and an A2 survey. There has been no action by the City or the owner since then or any consturction on the property. This is all correct, right Keith? Why don't you share with the other curious and concerned folks on the thread what your intientions are for the property?

Thanks to everyone for reporting this. I just heard from LCI that they are pressuring the property owner to deal with the issue based on the City's anti-blight policies. I'll let you know as this progresses.

Justin Elicker
Ward 10 Alderman
justin.elicker@gmail.com

Thank you, Alderman Elicker. As an adjacent homeowner on Lewis Street who has invested tens of thousands of dollars in home improvement and is raising children next to this property, this is music to my ears.

Thank you Alderman Elicker. I live near this property and have been appalled by the city's inaction for years. I have to ask this though: Where is the alderman for our ward? He needs to get actively involved.

For what it's worth, using the info, in the attached pdf, you can go to city hall - Hall of Records, and look in the land record volume 08622 pg.66 and see what this order is about. It's two years old, so don't get your hopes up. Yeah, it's weird, there is an abandoned building in my neighborhood, and the only reason that I can think of that the city will not force the owner to tear the building down (before it collapses), is that as long as the taxes are current, the city makes more money from having a blighted building, than it makes from having a vacant lot. Can't wait to move out of this bankrupt, dump of a town.

The situation at 17 Lewis has now been going on for years. It needs to be demolished, plain and simple. There is nothing that can be salvaged from Keith and Heather's bizarre DIY attempt. I used to live on Lewis and still live in the neighborhood. My friends have to live and raise their young children next to this disaster that attracts human and animal vermin. Please, City of New Haven, demand that the structures be razed and that the property be cleared of all debris and trash. We have had it with the inaction.

It looks like some of you cooked your own goose by making the owners stop working on the place. From reading the above comments it doesn't look like anybody on Lewis St gave them the benefit of the doubt they were actually progressing with their project going back a couple of years - albeit not to the satisfaction of the neighbors. I'm born & raised on Long Island where this kind of stuff goes on all the time. The difference is, there you're talking million-dollar homes and property taxes well into 5-figures. From the outside it looks like the little guy picking on the little guy; the city got sick of hearing about it and stopped anything from happening. A loose-loose situation.

XX, please don't start this kind of commenting war again. There's been lots of he said-she said-he said already, and we don't need this right now. Please don't go there again. If LCI is dealing with the owner (see Justin Elicker's comment above), then that's a good thing and that'll be more successful than more arguments on this already long and drawn out issue. Thank you.

This dump still stands! When will the city clear this lot??? It is an outrage that it has been allowed to sit this long.

This issue was recategorized from Uncategorized to Private Property Issue.

How long does it take a municipal government took clear out a blighted property? Apparently, over 6 years. Living on Lewis Street but reconsidering town/city residence more and more each day....

Closing this old issue. Property has been sold & is under construction.