The Frenchtown Association has been working on the sreetscape along 2nd Street for the last several weeks (new planters, trees, mulch, pulling weeds). They have repeatedly asked for help from the people in the area in accomplishing this project. The few who have had the time and a dry day have been working dillligently along all the blocks of 2nd Street from Clark to Techumseh Streets on this project. Suggest that ME262 bother to help weed rather than photographing the few places that have not yet been addressed. This is a project in progress that lasts the entire growing season. Any and all help is appreciated in helping maintain improvement along 2nd Street. Not sure what Community Develpoment inspectors can do other than help pull weeds. This is on a public street and public sidewalk.

But aren't sidewalks the responsibility of the property owners that have the sidewalks? Most people keep their properties nice and sweep the sidewalks. It's just a few people who won't mow their lawns and won't clean up newspapers, leaves, snow or kill the weeds on their sidewalks. Why are they allowed to get everyone else to do their work for them?

You are correct, it is important to note, as a property owner, any ground abutting upon or laying adjacent to any public street between the curbstone and the sidewalk shall be kept in good condition by the abutting property owner. This includes maintaining the sidewalks and greenstrips by mowing and weeding the area. (R.O. 2009 §54.007; CC 1981 §24-10; Ord. No. 3725, 2-26-70) The inspectors will cite the property owner.

It takes about 2 weeks to go through the process (1st Notice – 5 days & 2nd Notice 4 days) until the City can create a work authorization to have the grass cut. This happens with bank owned properties often. And as noted above, it truly is a neighborhood effort.

As a result of spring rains, grass and weed populations grow quickly. St. Charles, like most area municipalities, restricts weed and plant growth to less than 8 inches high. Cultivated flowers and garden areas are not included in this height restriction, but all noxious weeds are prohibited.

A weed notice has been issued to the property owner.