Comments on: Property Standards? http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:48:30 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Return to the 7th Concession | International Metropolis http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-274250 Return to the 7th Concession | International Metropolis Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:03:11 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-274250 [...] in March, 2007 I posted about this house for the first [...] [...] in March, 2007 I posted about this house for the first [...]

]]> By: sammy hain http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-24448 sammy hain Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:54:47 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-24448 David - YIKES....that is kind of scary to think that a community like Windsor would write out thier garbage/nuisance by-laws.... factory towns tend to offend in this area quite a bit.....but now that I think of it I drove past a broken in 2 couch bed on Drouillard Road for almost 2 weeks it sat partially impeding traffic and I thought it would never move..... David – YIKES….that is kind of scary to think that a community like Windsor would write out thier garbage/nuisance by-laws…. factory towns tend to offend in this area quite a bit…..but now that I think of it I drove past a broken in 2 couch bed on Drouillard Road for almost 2 weeks it sat partially impeding traffic and I thought it would never move…..

]]> By: John http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-23947 John Fri, 23 Mar 2007 18:30:13 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-23947 David, your experience sounds a little different situation. In your case, someone dumped on your property and you are rightly angry that you are being saddled with the responsibility of cleaning it up. The by-law still exists though, you're just getting the short end of the stick. It's a rotten situation but what can anyone do? I used to get garbage dumped in what used to be a storage box on my back fence for garbage cans from the days when they did alley pickup in my area. I don't know why people would go out of the way to dump their junk there, but I fired some drywall screws through a board over that box and put an end to that. In the case of 311, I reported grafitti in my alley just this week and was received politely and given a reference number. The call taker forwarded the complaint to the police on my behalf as they are keeping track of these complaints and they will be sending out a crew to clean up the graffiti when time permits. I'm not sure if they'll be cleaning up sooner or later but I won't be holding my breath for the yellow truck. Next time I'm at the hardware store, some graffiti remover will be on the shopping list. :( David, your experience sounds a little different situation. In your case, someone dumped on your property and you are rightly angry that you are being saddled with the responsibility of cleaning it up. The by-law still exists though, you’re just getting the short end of the stick. It’s a rotten situation but what can anyone do? I used to get garbage dumped in what used to be a storage box on my back fence for garbage cans from the days when they did alley pickup in my area. I don’t know why people would go out of the way to dump their junk there, but I fired some drywall screws through a board over that box and put an end to that.

In the case of 311, I reported grafitti in my alley just this week and was received politely and given a reference number. The call taker forwarded the complaint to the police on my behalf as they are keeping track of these complaints and they will be sending out a crew to clean up the graffiti when time permits. I’m not sure if they’ll be cleaning up sooner or later but I won’t be holding my breath for the yellow truck. Next time I’m at the hardware store, some graffiti remover will be on the shopping list. :(

]]> By: Shawn Micallef http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-23925 Shawn Micallef Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:24:20 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-23925 John> Indeed, the ugly came to the Airport in this case. That's the lovely thing about train travel -- stations were built downtown and were magnificent, surrounded by the best parts of the city. Nothing beats entering a city via the train. Plus, you can just walk off it and into the city. High speed trains now! John> Indeed, the ugly came to the Airport in this case.

That’s the lovely thing about train travel — stations were built downtown and were magnificent, surrounded by the best parts of the city. Nothing beats entering a city via the train.

Plus, you can just walk off it and into the city.

High speed trains now!

]]> By: David http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-23913 David Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:09:05 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-23913 Mike/Sammy, the law is off the books. Two years ago, someone dumped garbage against my building in the alley and a by-law officer came and gave me a 10 day notice to clean it up or else be fined. I repeatedly complained to the 311 that I was ordered by city by-law enforcement in the past to clean it up and had to clean it up at my expense. Yes, I spoke to the manager at 311 weeks ago. I've spoken to a bunch of different people there and they all told me the same thing and none of them would give me a tracking number because there is no law on the books. Believe me, I've called Waste Disposal and done everything. The law is off the books. The only thing the city can do now is put you on the waiting list and the city crew will come pick it up when they have time, but landowners will not be billed for it anymore because it was an illegal dump. This morning, after complaining for the past two months, the city picked up the couch and bed, but a bunch of old tires are still lying around the alley. It seems that very few people are complaining to their councilors to bring the laws back regarding dumping. And, don't even get me started with graffitti. There's an old warehouse at the corner of McDougall and Hanna (only one block from Kennedy High School) that has been completely covered by graffitti for the past two years. The city fined them for doing nothing. They have constantly asked for adjournments with the judge and their next trial date is in a few months. Do you know what the city solicitor told me? If the case doesn't get adjourned again, they will have to pay a fine of $300. Only $300. What kind fo motivation is that after two years of looking at that "ugly" graffitti? 311 refered me to crime prevention, who referrred me to my city councilor. My city councilor couldn't do anything else than refer me to other people in the city. Mike/Sammy, the law is off the books. Two years ago, someone dumped garbage against my building in the alley and a by-law officer came and gave me a 10 day notice to clean it up or else be fined. I repeatedly complained to the 311 that I was ordered by city by-law enforcement in the past to clean it up and had to clean it up at my expense. Yes, I spoke to the manager at 311 weeks ago. I’ve spoken to a bunch of different people there and they all told me the same thing and none of them would give me a tracking number because there is no law on the books. Believe me, I’ve called Waste Disposal and done everything. The law is off the books. The only thing the city can do now is put you on the waiting list and the city crew will come pick it up when they have time, but landowners will not be billed for it anymore because it was an illegal dump. This morning, after complaining for the past two months, the city picked up the couch and bed, but a bunch of old tires are still lying around the alley. It seems that very few people are complaining to their councilors to bring the laws back regarding dumping. And, don’t even get me started with graffitti. There’s an old warehouse at the corner of McDougall and Hanna (only one block from Kennedy High School) that has been completely covered by graffitti for the past two years. The city fined them for doing nothing. They have constantly asked for adjournments with the judge and their next trial date is in a few months. Do you know what the city solicitor told me? If the case doesn’t get adjourned again, they will have to pay a fine of $300. Only $300. What kind fo motivation is that after two years of looking at that “ugly” graffitti? 311 refered me to crime prevention, who referrred me to my city councilor. My city councilor couldn’t do anything else than refer me to other people in the city.

]]> By: Sammy Hain http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-23669 Sammy Hain Fri, 23 Mar 2007 01:27:09 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-23669 I used to work as a Municipal Enforcement OFficer in Northern Alberta, and property standards and nuisance or unsightly issues are one of the top complaints....I truly doubt any by-laws regarding property standards, garbage and nuisances has been removed.... whoever told you that was lying to you. Those by-laws are pretty much par for the course in any municipality. I used to work as a Municipal Enforcement OFficer in Northern Alberta, and property standards and nuisance or unsightly issues are one of the top complaints….I truly doubt any by-laws regarding property standards, garbage and nuisances has been removed…. whoever told you that was lying to you. Those by-laws are pretty much par for the course in any municipality.

]]> By: John http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-23634 John Thu, 22 Mar 2007 23:48:13 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-23634 Very true, Doug. Who wants to buy a house on a street like that? Very true, Doug. Who wants to buy a house on a street like that?

]]> By: douglasm http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-23630 douglasm Thu, 22 Mar 2007 23:15:36 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-23630 Maybe the property has an excuse, but the property owner doesn't. In my little town, our code enforcement officer has the most difficult time getting landlords to clean up their property. The city has at times taken non resident owners to court to make them clean up their mess. As a city councilman, I don't like dragging people into court, but sometimes one has to in order to protect the city as a whole. A property like that above could take down a neighborhood in a heartbeat. Doug Shirk Rock Island, WA Maybe the property has an excuse, but the property owner doesn’t. In my little town, our code enforcement officer has the most difficult time getting landlords to clean up their property. The city has at times taken non resident owners to court to make them clean up their mess.

As a city councilman, I don’t like dragging people into court, but sometimes one has to in order to protect the city as a whole. A property like that above could take down a neighborhood in a heartbeat.

Doug Shirk
Rock Island, WA

]]> By: Mike http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-23623 Mike Thu, 22 Mar 2007 22:14:59 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-23623 Complain to the 311 manager. They're obligated to provide you with a tracking number. Their excuses are a lot of BS. Let them tell you what by-law was revoked. Complain to the 311 manager. They’re obligated to provide you with a tracking number. Their excuses are a lot of BS. Let them tell you what by-law was revoked.

]]> By: John http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-23514 John Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:18:11 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-23514 Actually a small clarification on the airport. It was built on its current location back when there was really diddly there - just open fields, very much like Zalev's and some other businesses on arteries south of Tecumseh road that predated residential developments we take for granted today. In the case of Windsor airport, the bad neighbourhood came to it, not the other way around. Actually a small clarification on the airport. It was built on its current location back when there was really diddly there – just open fields, very much like Zalev’s and some other businesses on arteries south of Tecumseh road that predated residential developments we take for granted today.

In the case of Windsor airport, the bad neighbourhood came to it, not the other way around.

]]> By: Nikki http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-23380 Nikki Thu, 22 Mar 2007 01:36:46 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-23380 Hey Andrew, I pass that house everyday on the way to work. As I passed today and took my everyday glance over at the awful sight I noticed that the doors have now been covered? Thought I'd let you know you didn't state when the pic was taken but obviously someone must have said something. There is another house in as bad of shape a couple concessions down (the one that leads to the bend that turns into North Talbot) the wierd thing about this one is that at some point someone must have thought they were going to remodel the house because it has big new windows in the front - but thats about where the renovations ended....lol. In case you want to check it out its right before the overpass when you are heading south on the east side of the street. Hey Andrew,
I pass that house everyday on the way to work. As I passed today and took my everyday glance over at the awful sight I noticed that the doors have now been covered? Thought I’d let you know you didn’t state when the pic was taken but obviously someone must have said something. There is another house in as bad of shape a couple concessions down (the one that leads to the bend that turns into North Talbot) the wierd thing about this one is that at some point someone must have thought they were going to remodel the house because it has big new windows in the front – but thats about where the renovations ended….lol. In case you want to check it out its right before the overpass when you are heading south on the east side of the street.

]]> By: Shawn Micallef http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-23338 Shawn Micallef Wed, 21 Mar 2007 21:29:14 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-23338 Suzanne> I would always wonder what visitors thought of Walker Road into the city when they got off the plane. But in Windsor's defense, most route's in from the airport in most cities, Europe included, are often not pretty. We put airports in the crappy part of town for a reason (or vs versa). Suzanne> I would always wonder what visitors thought of Walker Road into the city when they got off the plane. But in Windsor’s defense, most route’s in from the airport in most cities, Europe included, are often not pretty. We put airports in the crappy part of town for a reason (or vs versa).

]]> By: David http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-23327 David Wed, 21 Mar 2007 20:21:30 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-23327 BBS, 311and by-law is now useless to remove garbage. The alleyway behind my building is strewn with garbage (tires, old beds, couches, etc.) I've complained to 311 for the past two months and they said that the by-law was taken off the books and that by-law enforcement will no longer has the authority to order someone to clean up garbage. They sent me to city waste disposal and waste disposal said they'll pick it up when they have time. It's two months now nothing. And new furniture is being dumped in the alley. 311 won't even give me a tracking number. Nothing. It's ridiculous. BBS, 311and by-law is now useless to remove garbage. The alleyway behind my building is strewn with garbage (tires, old beds, couches, etc.) I’ve complained to 311 for the past two months and they said that the by-law was taken off the books and that by-law enforcement will no longer has the authority to order someone to clean up garbage. They sent me to city waste disposal and waste disposal said they’ll pick it up when they have time. It’s two months now nothing. And new furniture is being dumped in the alley. 311 won’t even give me a tracking number. Nothing. It’s ridiculous.

]]> By: Suzanne http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-23275 Suzanne Wed, 21 Mar 2007 15:13:34 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-23275 Good on you, mate! Windsor is an embarassment of bylaw riches, enforcement absent. Or as the more cynical will say, everybody wants to build something, but no one wants to maintain... May I recommend the perimeter of the Windsor Airport as your next Hall of Shame expose? Much talk of "gateways", but weed-infested ditches, rusty chainlink fencing and a broken up roadway tell a "You Have Arrived" story of which we should all be ashamed. Good on you, mate!
Windsor is an embarassment of bylaw riches, enforcement absent.
Or as the more cynical will say, everybody wants to build something, but no one wants to maintain…

May I recommend the perimeter of the Windsor Airport as your next Hall of Shame expose? Much talk of “gateways”, but weed-infested ditches, rusty chainlink fencing and a broken up roadway tell a “You Have Arrived” story of which we should all be ashamed.

]]> By: Andrew http://www.internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335&cpage=1#comment-23271 Andrew Wed, 21 Mar 2007 14:47:21 +0000 http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=335#comment-23271 At least this place is vacant, so it has an excuse. :) At least this place is vacant, so it has an excuse. :)

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