Earle getting no cooperation from junky property owner

Earle getting no cooperation from junky property owner

Council ready to take matter into its own hands

news@theeveningtimes.com

An Earle property owner who has been ordered to clean up his property in a subdivision of junk trucks is still not complying with the city’s request.

Building Inspector Bobby Luckett told the city council that the property owner moved one of the trucks, but still needs to clean up the rest.

The resident owns a trucking company and according to the city has numerous inoperable trucks on the property. The city has been trying to get them removed for over a year.

“He received his letter and from what I understand he did move one truck,” Luckett said. “But as for a lot of the debris, it is still there.”

Luckett said the city may have to take the owner to court if he fails to comply.

“His time is up,” Luckett said. “One truck doesn’t do it.”

Councilwoman Jimmie Barham asked what the city’s options are.

“What’s the next move?”

Barham asked. “What about those other things that are across the street?”

Luckett said since the property owner has already been cited by the city, the next step is to take him to court.

“That’s the only other solution that we have,” Luckett said. “Moving one truck is not enough. He’s had enough time to get everything done. We have talked about this for months. As far as my part, I’ve exhausted all options. I’ve talked to him. I’ve brought him to the council. I talked to him again. And here we are. It’s still there.”

Mayor Sherman Smith said the city will send him another certified letter and continue to levy fines until the property is in compliance.

City ordinance provides for a $200 fine for the first offense and $200 a day for every day the property remains out of compliance.

“We’re going to have to send something certified to move forward with the fines,” Smith said. “We need to be in a position to where we can give him more tickets.”

“It’s not an easy process,” Luckett added. “You have to go by the law. It has been a problem for two years and it is still there.”

Luckett informed that the council that he is making progress with the mayor’s directive to clean the city up.

The city recently tore two homes down — both on Alabama Street— which were dilapidated, and expects some action will be taken soon to tear down an old funeral home on the corner of Arkansas and Lee Street.

Luckett said several city officials made contact with the owner recently and were told by the owners that they were going to make arrangements to tear it down.

“We’re trying our best to hurry them up,” Luckett said. “We’re hoping it will be gone by next month.”

Another letter, which was sent to the owner of a property on Second Street, came back returned.

“We’re trying to work things out so people will come in and do it responsibly,” Luckett said.

Luckett said Councilman Kenneth Cross also gave him the addresses of two houses in the subdivision which also need to be cleaned up.

“I went and took pictures of the property,” Luckett said. “I will get them ready

for you for the coming month. There is one house there that I guess you would say is a junk yard. I have several tickets which I will give to them.”

By Mark Randall