A Case Study In Residential Overcrowding
By Greg L | 20 August 2007 | Virginia Politics | 81 Comments
Help Save Manassas gets a number of requests from residents in the area for help regarding zoning and overcrowding problems, and we help coordinate with local zoning officials and elected officials to ensure a quick and effective response to their concerns. At the same time we’re getting these, there are a lot of folks out there who seem to be dedicated to denying that problems actually do exist. So perhaps it’s worth sharing some information about one of these cases, one so that those fortunate enough to not be suffering this sort of problem can understand why it’s so important to get control over residential overcrowding, and second so that those who are trying to deny these problems exist can understand that residents have real and significant concerns that desperately need to be addressed.
The home next door to me was sold approximately 3 years ago to an Hispanic woman who has subsequently used it as rental property. As I’m sure sounds all too familiar, there have been continual problems - trash and other objects littered across the lawn, countless utility vehicles in the driveway and street in front of our homes, early morning & late night noise, farm animals, children left unsupervised playing in the streets, on top of cars - even on the roof of the house - for hours, domestic violence issues, disregard for the landscaping to include growing corn in the front gardens, etc… all leading to serious degradation of the property.
My neighbors and I have all become extremely concerned about the constant traffic of strange males through the neighborhood. Often they will walk or ride bikes up to the 7/11 and return with beer. Many times I have had to pick up beer bottles and cans in the street and on my own lawn. I am sick and tired of seeing this and have my children exposed to it. We are all concerned for our own safety and especially for the safety of our young boys and girls. The home was vacated last weekend and new tenants have moved in. For whatever reasons, the current tenants have been coming over repeatedly asking to have access to my front water hose. In very broken English they have communicated to me that the prior tenants turned the water off and that it has not been turned back on yet.
Of note, the electricity has also been turned off, and these residents were lighting the house in the evening with candles.
The situation here has dramatically improved, and now the property has been condemned. After several attempts by the residents to re-occupy the house, it seems that they have finally moved on. Although there is a lot to clean up, and getting this street back into shape is going to take a while (and probably a new owner), the neighbors at least now have some hope that this ordeal will not indefinitely continue.
Although this is a pretty egregious case, it’s not all that unique. Because local overcrowding ordinances are woefully weak and difficult to enforce, residential overcrowding and the problems that come with it are frequently encountered just about everywhere in Northern Virginia, except in very upscale areas. So many folks are dealing with this issue on a daily basis that any elected official who is perceived as being uninterested in delivering their constituents from this atrocious degradation of their quality of life is soon going to face a lot of angry and extremely motivated voters.
I can’t imagine anything that would drive a voter to change his behavior than having to encounter something like this, every day.
The opinions expressed here are solely the views of the author, and not representative of the position of any organization, political party, doughnut shop, knitting guild, or waste recycling facility, but may be correctly attributed to the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy. If anything in the above article has offended you, please click here to receive an immediate apology.
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“And I wake in the morning and I step outside and I take a deep breath.. and I scream from the top of my lungs, WHAT’S GOING ON!”( 4 non blondes)
I used to be a Democrat. 3 years ago my neighborhood changed and I started having trouble (mostly noise) from the illegal borders next to me. I tried politely explaining the trouble they caused, but the Spanish kid renting a (children’s) room adjoining me didn’t care.
In the interval, with my eyes opened on this issue, I’ve become very disgusted with the Democratic party, will probably vote GOP for the rest of my life, and have become virulently against judicial activism. I cannot accept the way my former party pretends to care about mitigating poverty and improving education when they allow in tens of millions of lawbreakers who can only increase our poverty level and tax our already-weak educational system.
People who feel this passionate about this issue aren’t turning up in national polling as a force yet, but mark my words, we’re going to add up over time and feel more passionately about this issue than the NRA and the right-to-lifers put together. The alternative, when you take a good hard look at it, is unfathomable - to deliberately allow the importation of poverty into America, to lower wages permanently in America, and to move us headlonmg to a society of haves and have-nots. (Each of which I’m convinced the GOP elites, and George W Bush, wants to see happen).
We must take action against these zoning violations, and report them to PWC, MC & MP. Help Save Manassas has some very useful information on overcrowding problems on their website. Thanks to HSM, and all of those that took part in getting this horrible situation under control.
Remember, the county and cities don’t usually know about these violations unless citizens or HSM reports them. We can not allow these violations to escalate to the level Greg wrote about. Please report the zoning violations when you see them. It does make a difference for the better, and it sends the message we want a clean and safe community to live in.
If understand the zoning process correctly, in PWC the ONLY violations that inspectors can address are the ones that are reported. I’ve heard that an inspector can’t make note of violations as they are going thru a neighborhood - this MUST come from reported information. Does anyone know the facts on this in regard to PWC, MC, and MP?
This sounds a lot like my own Greengate Court and Placid Street area in Cavalry Run in Manassas City.
The major difference is that these houses in question (seven at least) are still occupied by, who knows how many?
And I have not seen corn in the front yards, that’s where the cars, car dollies, trailers, concrete construction equipment and car parts are!
Oh, and did I mention that two of my neighbors’ (construction) vehicles are tagged in MEXICO? And that they have been here so long that the MCPD had to brush snow off the windshields when they were first ticketed.
If I were to load my home up with these numbers of occupants and autos, zoning would have me in court fast!
Greg:
The situation you described may qualify for a RICO action against the owner by surrounding homeowners who have lost equity in their houses due to the illegal action (harboring illegals) by the owner. One element of proof necessary to allege in the initial pleading is the unauthorized presence in the country of any occupants. The addresses of inmates who are turned over to ICE pursuant to the 287g agreement might be obtained from the jail (FOIA) . This would take a little work and luck to get the info on an inmate who gave the address of a specific house, but stranger things have happened. Maybe an ongoing FOIA request to the jail for addresses of all those turned over to ICE might be appropriate.
Greg,
Sounds like my street at least three times over. Of course Michelle C. doesn’t think we have any problems.
Greg,
I have called and called and called. When you have a Neighborhood Services Chief and a Property Code Inspector turning a blind eye to the situation, what can one do? I mean it is really frustrating to no end. These people get away with it and even flaunt it. One of the tenants at 08 took off his shirt and waved it at me. Talk about taunting.
Patty
I think the Property Code inspector you are speaking of, won’t be turning his blind eye much longer. There are many complaints about him. When you call a complaint in to Zoning, simply tell them do NOT send that inspector. I do this, and I know a couple of other folks do the same.
Looks like the foreclosure property that’s been “stripped” of it’s appliances, and light fixtures, and had the police there in a 24 hour period, etc. will be for sale soon. The yard got mowed and clean up crew went in to do it’s job. Remember, this is the same house that had squatters, and thanks to Michell Janke, and many other PWC officials(and their Aides) this property is not presenting a problem to us anymore. Keep calling, and tell them not send Sr. C, to your complaints.
Does 08 have any cars blocking the public sidewalk today?
Hopefully, they’ve gotten the message that blocking the sidewalk and parking on the grass are illegal.
Is there a place online where one can see photographs of the overcrowded houses, trash strewn yards, multiple cars and car parts in Manassas or Manassas Park with verifiable addresses (ie. so one can know it is really in M or MP, not some other place)? It has seemed odd with instant digital photography that none of this is ever documented in photos here, but I am assuming maybe it is out of consideration for the blog space. Then again, GL posts photos sometimes, but usually of MSF folks and the like rather than evidence of neighborhood destruction. Maybe I have just missed the relevant posts. But wouldn’t this have been a logical post for a photo? GL. says:
” there are a lot of folks out there who seem to be dedicated to denying that problems actually do exist.”
Then wouldn’t photos help? It isn’t illegal to photograph such things. Can anyone direct me to a gallery?
PS: I keep seeing comments about corn in yards. Is it illegal to grow corn in your yard? I mean assuming you are not under one of those housing associations that determines every aspect of appearance. Is there a reason people are particularly upset about corn in yards? I understand the trash and beer bottles, but corn? Is there similar objection to vegetable gardens?
Patty,
7719 is atrocious! That truck full of trash looks like hell. The house across the street isnt much better. I saw a shirtless wonder out there when I did my ‘drive-by.’ He was strutting, amongst the many, many vehicles in front of the house.
I think the realtor needs a complaint call on 7719. They need to get that portable trash heap out of the driveway. One wonders how any responsible realtor would think anyone would even be interested in buying that house with the truck full of trash out there.
There is another one down King George that should just be torn down. Whatever it takes. How horrible. I am not beyond making a few calls of complaint. You have my email address.
You mean to tell me they’re growing corn in their yards in Manassas? Unbelievable. Do they have roosters too? You can’t bring these thirdworlders here and expect them to behave.
Many of the comments remind me of how hopeless I felt years ago when my husband and I and our infant daughter lived in College Park, Maryland. Several houses on our street became rental houses for college students. Instantly, we had cars parked everywhere, parties, loud music, public drunkedness, public urination, barf, trash, wild driving through our neighborhood… On game days, it was hell. After a few years, we folded and left a house and community that we had loved. Our situation was caused by a bunch of white punks. Race wasn’t the issue. The issue was uncontrolled overcrowding and having people move into the neighborhood who were out of control and had no interest in or respect for their community.
Leila,
I have never seen corn or chickens but I don’t doubt they exist. Corn is kind of quaint….sort of a country version of giant sunflowers. But chickens? Nah…not in the burbs.
Lafayette probably has lots of pictures. My camera just went off to Michigan so I am no help to you. I went on a drive by today and saw some pretty nasty places. Many of them aren’t too far from my house…within a mile. Houses in a total state of disrepair, surrounded by junk cars and trash. I can go right up the street and count 10 cars for one house. The property is still in good shape but the storm door is propped.
I live in Prince William County, between I-66 and the City of Manassas. What I saw today looks like house beautiful compared to what you see in Manassas Park and Yorkshire.
Not all hispanics have this sort of disregard for property. Some of the hispanic owned homes reflect a great deal of care and pride. However, there is a large contingency in this area who do not take care of property and who are wreaking havoc on our neighborhoods. I am certain they embarrass those from their culture who do take care of things.
Leila, why don’t you leave Arlington (or whatever liberal town you are from) and drive on Sudley Manor drive (google it) and take all the pictures you want for the “proof” that you need. Additionally, Lafayette can schedule a driving tour too! You will experience reality like never before! This would be a great lesson for you. Have loads of fun!
Leila, you better check the rules for taking photos before taking them just to make sure you are not breaking any laws.
Sudley Manor Drive isnt half as good of a show as some of the other streets. You see screen doors, many work vehicles, but not the property in ill repair. Give it time, we will catch up. I suggest King George…the 9600 block. Damascus is somewhat of an eye opener also.
Dolph…oh I know. That is why Lafayette will need to give the driving tour. Here is a nice article that just proves what we are talking about (this is happening everywhere): http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-08-14-towing15_N.htm
Happy reading!
Anon 7:16 pm: DING DING DING. You got it. I wouldn’t be putting up with a crap load of college kids pulling these stunts either and they have more right to do it than the illegals do. I just had it out with my neighbors because their constant guests’ kids are running around my car leaving their hand prints all over it and have caused numerous scratches so far. I finally had enough and told them to stop it and their parents are like, “we didn’t see anything” and I’m like, “well I did and it’s my car, now beat it”. No respect for anything and just letting their kids run wild. There are at least 8 people living in this townhouse that I have counted so far. Always sneaking around the side of my end unit at 5:45 when I leave for work scaring the bejesus out of me. Nice people all in all but there are so damn many of them and none of them seem to respect that they are encroaching on my parking spots, my yard, and my car. Grrrr.
Patriot, it’s Arlington and I am not demanding proof for myself. I am wondering why there isn’t documentation since I assume it would help your case and with digital photography there could be whole websites dedicated to documenting M and MP. As far as I know there is nothing illegal about taking a photograph from a public street of a private residence, particularly if you are not photographing people, just buildings, yards, and, maybe chickens
I’ve said before that I am curious enough to want to take a trip to M/MP sometime, eat at Cafe Espresso, and then and see conditions in both places. When I do, I plan to note the streets most discussed here. But it is not as though I have never seen trashed houses and yards. I have seen them, all trashed by native-born Americans who for some reason don’t seem to raise quite the ire that Latinos do when they behave the same way.
Dolph,
I really do plan to take a trip to Manassas the next time I have reason to rent a car, which may be quite soon. I am shocked when you say that what you describe is “house beautiful” compared to conditions in Manassas Park. I guess what I don’t understand is why the behavior itself isn’t sanctioned separately from the immigration status. I agree with you that if conditions reach a certain point (not a housing-association sort of point, but a non-fascistic reasonable expectation point) then owners should be reported to authorities..but reported for the problem alone.
Re. corn (or sunflowers for that matter), I like the look of both so I wouldn’t be troubled by either in a yard. I understand why people get upset about roosters, but they are better than a ceaselessly barking dog. A rooster at least is regular and then usually finishes. He is more like a muezzin and I like muezzins. (No, Arlington has no call to Muslim prayer, but I have visited places with muezzins and liked hearing them before dawn.) I guess it depends also on how close houses are to one another in any given suburban neighborhood. The one person I know who used to live in Manassas had a house pretty much surrounded by trees so it was quite private. If he and his then wife had trashed their yard or kept chickens or held orgies nobody would have known.
The Patriot,
Good article. So much of it seemed all too familiar.
Park’d, I guess you will have to sit outside with a camera to get them to ’see the light.’ I had similar problems next door to me. White family. The minute I left for work, my yard and anything the kids could get to became fair game. Funny, when they moved, it stopped. Imagine that. grrrrrr also.
I reported my neighbor’s house via email and Inspector Chavez emailed me back 16 days later telling me he visited the property twice and there were no violations. What more can I do except report the address and assume the county employees will do their job?
We do not have corn or chickens yet, but we do have 5-6 tag along construction trailers in the front yard each evening (I say front ‘yard’ because they cleared 2/3 of the front yard of trees and grass and paved the entire thing). Two distinct male/female/child families, 5-10 single males each evening, 1 SUV, 2 minivans, 2 15-passenger vans and various white work vans and the 5-6 tag along trailers…yet Inspector Chavez assures me they are not violating any overcrowing regulations.
The sad/comical part is a couple of years ago when we applied for a building permit to finish our basement, we were denied the ability to claim a 4th bedroom because our septic system was only designed for a three bedroom house. I wonder how many people are flushing the toilet next door?
My point in this whole debacle dolph is that this is SO not a race thing. It’s a class thing. These people are all mostly low class with no respect for anything and no idea of American cultural norms. Low class is low class and that is independent of race. I’m going to have a little chat with the man of the house or the woman since I know she speaks English the next time I see them outside. Their ‘borders’ (illegal tenants) and their guests need to start learning that mi casa no es su casa and nadie toca mi coche. For the love of God start respecting a man’s possessions and control your GD kids.
Leila
I will be more than happy to give a guided tour of just the area The Patriot, Dolph, Patty, and redawn speak of. We have so many things going on in our neighborhood WestGate/Sudley you just wouldn’t believe it. I just went to the WestGate Giant, on my way there(not even 2miles), I saw three yards with corn and 8 open storm doors. Do you know that an open storm door means that there is a room(s) for rent? There’s one house that is bold enough to have 2 cardboard signs nailed to carport and tree, in Spanish reading rooms for rent and gave a phone number(and yes I’ve called that blatant violation in). There’s also, a house I spoke of earlier here that had squatters for 2 months after the foreclosure sale, and I now notice there is a trailer in the driveway, with fridge, washer, dryer, 4 mattresses, a love seat, and other trash. This simply looks like a trash heap on wheels. Not 4 hours ago, that place was looking pretty good, and now a rolling trash heap to roll over the “red carpet” of PWC.
I see you live in Arlington, and probably weren’t at the PWC Fair last week. Had you been there you would’ve seen some disgusting pictures of mine showing numerous violations at the Help Save Manassas booth.
Park’d, was “borders” a Freudian slip?
Dolph/park’d
We had a kiddy bike “chop shop” operating diagonally from me. I saw my next door neighbors bike get chopped. These little jokers painted a dozen bikes in about 3 minutes. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. However, it didn’t really surprise my too much. The house fired up 3 Weber grills at 6am every morning to cook the food to sell off the truck, and some sort of catering business. This was a few years ago, and it was so bad there I had to take all of that houses problems up with Chuck Colgan and Harry Parrish to get any action. Boy, they got that place straighten out real quick. I hope Leila sees this tid-bit too.
Lafayette, I have learned from this blog what apparently is the meaning of a propped open storm door. I didn’t know that before reading it here. I wasn’t at the PWC fair, or the Arlington Fair for that matter, but if you ever put the pix up online, please let me know. What is it about corn though? Is it obstruction of view? Not having grass? Or is the corn just a signal of other things that are objectionable? I confess that while I understand the problem with trash and overcrowding, I don’t get how growing vegetables is an offense.
Park’d–I know what you mean. They do not understand property rights. They feel they are entitled to whaterver isn’t nailed down. Maybe that’s how it is in their villages. These illegals also do not discipline their brats. They allow them to run around supermarkets, handle the merchandise, etc. And you know their hands are not clean. You better have a talk with the parents but be prepared to do it again and again and again. They really don’t get what private property is.
Park’d,
It is a class thing. No doubt about it. Sadly, most of us moved into neighborhoods where low class people could not afford to live.
It is a matter of division. The greater the divisor (number of people paying rent)of a finite number (the mortgage) the lower the quotient(cost of living in said house).
All of a sudden those of us who might have even extended ourselves a little to raise our kids or ourselves in a neighborhood where the residents shared similar values and standards find ourselves living in the midsts of trashy cars on blocks, contruction trucks and vdhicles lining the streets, 3 foot high grass, multiple families in single family homes, houses that have become motels, trash all over the place and general disorder.
When I drive aound the extended neighborhood, I wonder if I shouldnt have sold out a long time ago and just bought in the low rent district and saved myself some money; pocketed the net gain for retirement. I personally have not been impacted to the degree many contributors here have been. However, I know if something isn’t done, it will only be a matter of time.
Leila–are you deliberately being obtuse?
Georgetown South, Irongate, etc, also should be on the list of areas to visit to see the reality of illegal immigration and the ruins of once nice neighborhoods.
Not long ago the MJM printed a letter from a person who said the County is a much better place to live in then it was thirty years ago. Of course the person was a supporter of illegals. However, if you just look at GTS and Irongate, you realize it is not a better place to live. GTS has a police substation in it, and I’m sure Irongate could use the same. Was there a substation in GTS thirty years ago when it was considered a top notch neighborhood?
Also, the shopping center across the street from GTS has security guards. Why is that?
Monticup, might you be more specific? Obtuse about what? I honestly didn’t know corn was actionable or commonly objected to, unless you live in a housing association development, in which case everything is objected to. For me, growing corn in your yard would be unusual but not criminal so I am trying to understand why it in itself is a housing violation. Is corn what you are asking about? Or is it obtuseness on some other matter? Specify, svp.
COM, don’t most shopping centers have security guards? Everyone I visit does.
Dolph: I don’t wonder if I should have sold 18 months ago when I could have made a bundle on this place. I know I should have. Damn laziness will be the end of me. Just the thought of packing up all this crap and buying another house and moving just really sickened me at the time and now looking back, it was probably the worst decision I ever made because property values are in the cellar and illegals are rampant and unchallenged in this town.
Leila: No, brainfreeze. I meant boarders of course, although borders does have such an ironic ring to it don’t you think?
Leila,
re: Corn
Corn is fine in the backyard. Corn in the front yard is just…not up to community standards. I personally wouldn’t care about corn but I guess some people do. I am probably an anomoly.
re: community standards
I think that most of the violations are committed by non-English speakers who people assume to be illegally in this country. Not all violations are but I believe the changes in our neighborhoods are mainly because of immigration. The tell-tale signs are enumerated in my previous post.
If there are 10 houses that fall far below community standards for a long period of time, and 8 of those houses are inhabited by hispanics, then one begins to generalize. It doesn’t matter that 5 other houses owned by hispanics look fabulous. Living proof that 1 awww $hit ruins 100 atta boys.
citizenofmanassas
You are exactly right, we must not forget Loch Lomond, Manassas Park, Point of Woods, and Bristoe Station to the list. They too are on my list with a many others. These are some of the hardest hit neighborhoods of the “illegal invasion”, and there are also many more at the other end of PWC.
Irongate could most definatelly use a substation. Westgate Apartments has also had one for about 20years.
I remember that letter you wrote about, and the many other letters from the illegal supporters. It sickening.
Come on guys and gals. GTS has always been a crap hole. I used to avoid that place like the plague when I lived in Manassas City in the early 90’s and the illegals didn’t have anything to do with that in those days. Westgate and Irongate were always dumps as well; at least as far back as the early 90’s. I’m all for laying blame, but it has to be earned.
Leila
I don’t know what the corn means. I do know that I’ve never seen it growing in front yards on lots about 10,000 sqr ft. It does look very odd though. There’s one house on a corner with corn, and yes it does obstruct the view there.
I had 8 white neighbors living in a small townhome in filthy circumstances, but nothing could be done because they were parents and kids. I have a black family in my neighborhood that has at least eight in a townhome - mother, adult children, and grandchildren. They hog the visitor parking. Eight people should not live in a three bedroom townhome. There is another white family with four adults, two young adults, a child and also serves as a flophouse for every wayward teen in the city. And yes, we have Latino overcrowding too. Overcrowding is overcrowding, no matter who does it. I hope that in the arguments about the immigration issue that residential overcrowding cuts across ethnic lines isn’t overlooked.
Lafayette,
I seriously think they are probably eating the corn. I thought about growing it in my backyard several years ago. Then I decided I wasn’t up for pita quotient that is involved in vegetable gardening. Plus I didnt want to attract deer. They like to hop the fence and graze back there.
Nothing obstructs the view like that huge truck filled with tires that parks along Sudley Manor Dive….ooops I meant to type DRIVE.
For those of you not familiar with the area, Sudley Manor Drive is the main drag through a 30 something year old neighborhood. There is a tree lined median strip that divides the road. Even though it is an older community, it has been fairly well maintained and up until the past 2 years, was one of the more desirable neighborhoods in the mid-range cost bracket for single family homes. ( the other side of Sudley Road has the expensive Sudley Manor Drive which is new. Most homes there start at $700k and for obvious reasons, don’t have the problems we have)
A friend of mine sold her house on SMD less than a year ago for $500k. At settlement she found out that the new owner would be paying a mortgage of $1800 a month with no money down. This house quickly became renovated into a motel. grrrrrrr 10 vehicles parked outside on the street on any given night. Screen door propped.
Just a little tour of Sudley, folks.
Lafayette, I guess having the corn means they want to eat it or it reminds them of home. I can empathize and it doesn’t bother me. But as you and Dolph correctly point out, there is a difference between full fledged crops in back yards and front yards. I still feel that if a neighbor were decent in other respects, I can’t imagine objecting to something minor like corn.
There are plenty of people I have good reason to believe are illegal in my garden apartment complex. They do overcrowd the apartments, which are all one bedroom. But the only *visible* impact of that overcrowding is more trash than one would imagine from a complex of its size. The dumpster gets full too fast and isn’t picked up often enough, so people sometimes have to leave their bags by it, not in it. Also, after a lot of immigrants moved in, there has been some confusion about the recycling bins. They tend to use them as trash cans. However I put my blame on the absentee landlords (nobody lives on site). They must know they are renting to more than one or two people per apartment and they don’t arrange more frequent pick ups or give instructions about recycling. Every apt. notice we get is in English and Spanish. It should be in Mongolian too, but that’s asking too much. Yet they don’t offer any instructions on recycling. Everything else in the apartments, noise, upkeep, politeness, etc. is fine. I can only really speak for my neighborhood, but in general everyone seems well-integrated and tolerant in an area with very mixed housing types, from extremely expensive houses/apartments to very cheap ones. Maybe that is the key. Nobody has been overwhelmed and there have been no sudden changes as you all have experienced in M and MP. Everything was mixed before and remains mixed.
COM,
30 years ago, GTS was not a nice neighborhood. It was a rapidly declining slum. Irongate was newer but 25 years ago it hit a real quick decline. It almost happened overnight. I left Irongate around that time and it was darn hard to sell a house because of the condition of the neighborhood. I think a lot of the units became HUD units around that time. Lots of absentee landlords.
However, both communities are far worse now than they were then. Far, far worse! You can’t even compare. Shudder!!!
Leila
You are right about the trash overflowing. Tuesday is trash pick up day around here, and I also noticed the amount of trash on my way to Giant earlier. Houses with single families living in them have one bin and the lid closes properly. However, overcrowded house will have a huge bin running over, several plastic bags, boxes of beer and diapers. All, of this trash has caused some big rats to run through here. I have worked very hard on the rat problem, so many things around here contribute to this health hazard. Let’s not forget they do carry rabies. I had to contact many county departments, Supervisor’s office, and address the PWCBOS on these rodents.
I would also like to add two houses have vacated(not due to foreclosure) from my block that had open storm doors, and this has happened since Mr. Stirrup’s resolution was passed unanimously on 7/10/07. I guess they were illegal after all. Why would someone here legally cut and run so quickly.
It’s all about LEGAL and ILLEGAL.
I live in Sudley Manor as well, and I too have noticed a serious decline of late. I’ve also noticed many homes are up for sale. Dublin Dr. from the upper portion of Sudley Manor to Copeland Dr. is pitiful. And as one drives down copeland nearing the bottom of Sudley Manor (toward the barn) there are many homes that HAVE THEIR XMAS LIGHTS UP!!!!!!!! Xmas lights that stay up all year looks trashier than corn. At least the corn eventually dies. I noticed that a home on Strasburg recently paved half their yard. Does one need a permit to widen their driveway? Are there no limits as to how wide a driveway can be? And whats the deal with the house on the corner of Fairmont and Lomond? The one with a car for sale on the lawn? And when did brick pilliars at the entrance to a driveway come into vogue? Maybe pictures should be taken, placed in an album, and given to individuals who have the power to do something. Just a thought.
COM-
If I remember correctly that police sub-station hasn’t been in GTS for years. The owner of the property decided to sell it, the city didn’t want to buy it so no more sub-station. Please correct me if I missed something.
I’ve been at town hall meetings where the citizens that live in GTS beg for help, it’s so bad there. They say that drugs are sold openly and I constantly see gang graffiti as I drive by there. IT’S A SHAME.
I can assure you that nobody in the park is running away after the Stirrup resolution. If anything, there are more of them in the past 90 days. Business as usual in the park baby. Thank your council and police ye citizens of the park. How long again until we can replace these do-nothing bozos? 14 months? Our neighborhoods and our sanity won’t last that long.
“Is there a reason people are particularly upset about corn in yards?”
LMAO….. yes, there is a problem with it. I bought a house in the suburbs not the sticks. If I wanted to live next to a farm, I would have bought a house there.
Corn grows quite well in backyards, too, but for some reason, some people are only capable of planting it in their front flower beds.
park’d
Please tell me you will be at the MP city council meeting tomorrow. If you are I would like to meet you if you feel like revealing yourself, as I plan on attending.
I’ve walked some of the Park and it is a disaster. MP’s “do nothing’ approach is astounding. Well, I don’t believe they can use that tactic much longer. The membership to HSM in MP is growing daily.
ateacher
I know the lights on SM you mentioned, and they are lit on many nights.
The driveway on Strasburg, I believe has zoning approval. No permit is required when expanding the driveway. You must get Zoning approval before hand. Most residential subdivisions are zoned R-4, allowing 40% total lot coverage. Any thing over 40%, must be dug up or tore down to maintain the 40% coverage(per Zoning of PWC). Take a look at the “Mystery Mansion” on Lomond Dr., the entire backyard appears to be paved, not mention the size of the house, and the huge garage out back. That appears to have about 85% lot coverage. I really don’t understand how that thing got built. If you call Zoning, they’ll tell you that house no violations, and they are 100% in compliance with the county code. I find this to be highly unlikely.
Lafayette,
I noticed a house, built only last year, on my way to work on Old Centreville Road only about .10 miles in from 28. This house is also overbuilt according to the zoning ordinance you cited. When they were building this house, which has both wrought iron and wooden fence around it, I was able to see inside. I noticed that there is no basement and that it appeared almost as if the house had a dirt floor. This house has two floors. I believe that inspectors should have caught these problems. The house is a hazard in the event of a storm because the lack of basement means that it is not anchored down properly.
Sorry, I didn’t get back with you all. This is the second time I’ve tried to post this. I guess my online service is going crazy.
Last night I had to call police on one of my “favorite” houses. A couple of them decided they were going out on the front porch and have a “good” time. They usually like to sit out there and drink beer.
As far as the parking situation at 08, they haven’t parked on the sidewalk lately. They have been leaving the light on back. Funny how the leave the back light on but not the porch light.
Dolph, I’ve called the real estate agent and the main office three times about the pickup truck with the trash. I guess they are not that interested in selling the house. Obviously, Sr. C. fails to see it when he drives down Woodstock St. Maybe he has tunnel vision. I will call the agent again today.
Patty,
Why did they leave the pick up full of trash there? Isn’t the house vacant? I didn’t get out and go peek in the windows but it sure looked vacant from the road.
What does the real estate agent tell you? Who is the mortgage company that got stuck with that gem? (serves them right)
Sr. C had better start doing his job over there. Maybe if he doesn’t, the BOCS might just have to see it during citizen’s time and we could get a ruling from them. Do you think he would be embarrassed if we showed pictures of some of the atrocities over there that he says don’t violate community code?
fed up
Is the house you speak of in PWC or is it in Fairfax Co? If it’s
Fairfax, I don’t know their codes. I’ll try to look for that “prize” you speak of.
Patty/Dolph
Sr. C, doesn’t see the violations that are called in, and he’s to investigate/inspect. Please, don’t hold your breathe that he’ll notice the pick up trash heap. I also called 19, in last week to Zoning. It seems like the PWPD, are vistiting 08, almost daily basis.
BTW-the trash heap at 14 has be removed.
Lafayette
It’s in Manassas Park just as you turn in from the strip mall where Rack n Roll is. it is the third or fourth house on the left (going north) after the first left only street on Old Centreville as you come up the road.
Lafayette
Maybe not news, but: many trash cans have been stolen from the Lake Jackson area . Three households had their trash can stolen. Do you think this is the work of people who may need trash cans due to overcrowding?
Dolph
I know for a fact that Sr. C, has been brought to the attention of two supervisors. Sr. C, was also escorted to 08, with his supervisor a few weeks ago to point out the violations he neglected to see, and do anything about. They finally got their fence fixed. I wonder if they got their “frog pond” cleaned up. The “frog pond” is the inground pool, which hasn’t been used in years now. I’m concerned about West Nile Virus with all that standing water.They(inspectors)
don’t look for additional violations when inspecting a property, they only for the violations reported to the in-take office. I feel the inspectors should be looking at the whole property when they are there.
Patty and Lafayette,
It appears that the chain of command doesn’t work if Sr. C is involved. Has anyone documented some of the violations and taken them in during citizen’s time for a ‘review’ by the BOCS? It might be worth the effort to find an lcd projector and slap up those pictures for all to see. We would have to team tag with the time alotment but it can be done, if about 10 of us signed up to speak.
If going up the chain of command doesn’t work, perhaps the trickle down effect might. My mother used to always say, why go to the Indians when you can go to the chief. Perhaps the chiefs need a visit.
I think everyone here has felt Patty’s frustration. She has tried to do the right thing going by THE RULES. Perhaps it is time to take a different approach and just bring these violations to BOCS’s attention during public time. Let’s see who ends up embarrassed. Bet it won’t be Patty.
fed up said on 21 Aug 2007 at 9:27 am:
Lafayette
“Maybe not news, but: many trash cans have been stolen from the Lake Jackson area . Three households had their trash can stolen. Do you think this is the work of people who may need trash cans due to overcrowding?”
my guess would be fishing for info. to steal an identity
Lafayette,
you said:
‘They(inspectors) don’t look for additional violations when inspecting a property, they only for the violations reported to the in-take office. I feel the inspectors should be looking at the whole property when they are there.’
I say: What would it take to get this misguided policy changed? I agree with you.
Redawn and Fed Up,
From the looks of things over in Patty/Lafayette territory, people living in overcrowded conditions don’t care enough to steal a garbage can.
Then again, there is always the giant trash can sitting in the driveway of ##19. It might even have an engine in it. It would be high comedy if it weren’t so pathetic.
I would love to see a couple of those ‘winners’ posted here so readers not from our area would stop thinking we are pristine picky crackpots.
Dolph
The truck has an engine it!! They tried moving that trash heap a week or two ago, and the truck started smoking/fire. They then pushed it back to 19, and there it still sits. Perhaps, Patty will come on, and elaborate on that day. I just wonder what does today hold in store around here.
I will be discussing the “misguided policy” with the proper folks to bring this to light. Enough!
Dolph,
Do you want a good laugh? Go check out this car that has a huge horn on the top of the car, a PLYWOOD SPOILER BOLTED TO THE TRUNK the number 13 spray painted on the side and the satanic star on the hood.
DIRECTIONS:
turn on Godwin off sudley rt 234 at the next light that will be Ashton Ave, turn right you will see the car to left ( they are townhouses , second set) you will be able to see it from Ashton Ave. IT has been there for a very longtime.
CORRECTION ABOVE
when you turn right on Ashton Ave from Godwin THE CAR WILL BE ON YOUR RIGHT!
redawn
I saw that they rolling down 234, not too long ago. I couldn’t find it Sunday.
Doph
I’ve been to several PWBOC meetings, I showed them pictures of serious violations, and left the picture with the Clerk for PWBOS to be fowarded to all supervisors. I hope that got done. I brought this to their attention back in June. I’ve seen more and worse violations since that time.
I’ve just done some investigation the PCE inspectors are supposed to look at everything, not just what has been called in. I explained, I don’t believe this is happening. This will be brought to the attention of Zoning once again. I also, told that office that a few of us request that Sr. C is NOT assigned to the case, because of his performance or should I say lack thereof.
Lafayette,
Go and take a picture so Greg can post it, I think it is hysterical, ridiculous but hysterical~
redawn
I will try to get a picture when I go out shortly.
All
I’ve just discovered a little something regarding animals in PWC.
1) You may have upto 4 adult dogs
2) You may have as MANY cats as you like, and you take care of them properly.
We’ve seen houses on the news in recent years, with hundred of cats and their remains. This is something that shouldn’t be allowed. We had one house over hear that had 30 cats there, and they were discovered when the house caught on fire. You could smell the cats when you walked by the house. Well, that house is now remodeled and on the market. It has a nice apple tree in the backyard that several trespassers seem to like to go pick.
John Light/redawn
“Where Have All The Good Times Gone”-VH. Here’s the link we’ve been waiting for..
http://www.van-halen.com/tour.html
To bad we can’t sing “Momma I’m coming home” ( OZZY) as we get out of this mess BECAUSE we are home and Momma is here….
Rick Bentley,
I sympathize with your feelings of being let doan and abondoned by a political party that will not take action against a serious problem. Only thing is, I am on the other side of the political aisle being a life long Republican. Before looking to the Republican party as the solution, do remember that George Bush has twice tried to get amnesty bills passed in Congress, and the Republicans did nothing to combat illegal immigration when they had control of Congress. I have decided to change my party affiliation to independent and vote on the candidate who will take the toughest stance against illigel immigration. Although that candidate will likely be a Republican, this stance sends out my personal message that no one can count on my vote. The candidate will have to earn it.
Leila,
I have taken many photos of my next door neighbor’s home and send them to MP code enforcement. The photos included tagless and abondoned vehicles, trash strewn about the yard, an entire living room suite outdoors, a refrigerator on the porch, an unlicensed and illigal auto repair shop set out in the driveway complete with cars left up on jacks for days on end, and various maintenance issues. To MP code enforcement’s credit they did investigate, all my complaints so far have been found to be valid, and the problems were taken care of within days. Some problems did reoccur, but I was told that the city began fining them for violations. The neighbor’s learning curve is not very steep and it took a few fines, but they seem to have got the message. Unfortunately I no longer have the photos, since I deleted unwanted photos from my digicam prior to vacation in July.
As far as these complaints being racist, nothing can be farther from the truth. I report any neighbor who did these thing regardless of race or ethnicity. The neighbors behind have recently listed their home for sale. I will be sorry to se them leave, since they are clean quiet, and keep a beautifully maintained home. Both are Hispanic, but the difference is in pride of ownership and a desire to be a valuable member of the community.
I have a townhouse full of several Salvadoran males in my Loudoun neighborhood. I know this because the flag of El Salvador is prominently displayed in the front of the house. Anyhow, my concern is that they have had their Christmas lights displayed for no fewer than FOUR YEARS!!!!!! Without taking them down. Despite numerous letter from the HOA and a visit from the county. No one has seen fit to do anything about this. So we all continue to suffer as our property values plumit. Furthermore, The houses to either side of this unit have both been for sale but no one wanted to buy next to this eyesore so they were both subsequently taken off the market. I’m just so greatful that I live in such a culturally diverse neighborhood (sarcasm).
WE ARE LIVING LA VIDA LOCA (Ricky Martin)
Dolph,
I got your e-mail address from Lafayette. I’ll give you details about the truck.
Anyway, a couple of weekends ago the tenants came back to try to start the truck. They eventually got it started. They took it for a spin down Woodstock. The engine started smoking the second time. There was so much smoke I thought it was on fire. They did too because they started to run from it. When they realized it wasn’t in flames they went back to it and started pushing it back down Woodstock with the engine still on. When they got in front of my house they finally decided to turn the engine off since it was still smoking (smart move don’t you think). They eventually got it back in the driveway. They had to put blocks behind the wheels. I imagine they want to make sure it doesn’t drift into the road during the night.
By the way, no one has come to get the truck and I’ve seen at least two county trucks drive by that property. Oh well, maybe they can’t enforce code because that would be trespassing.
Patty,
I am sorry but I am laughing. If that happened somewhere else other than in our neighborhood, it would be comical. What a bunch of idiots.
If the county won’t remove it, I will contribute towards the fund to just have it towed to the junkyard. The county should do it and send the bill to the mortgage company.
What a mess!!!
Dolph, Patty,
There are companies out there that do haul JUNK vehicles for (scrap) FREE.
Henry’s Towing could give you a recommendation 703-331-0615
Leili,
Outside of the malls, and the one I referenced, I have not seen guards at other shopping areas. I guess maybe you since you live in a liberal area, people expect crime to happen and that is why the shopping centers you visit need security guards.
Dolph,
I have a friend who lived in Irongate in the mid 70’s and he said it was nice at that time. I have also talked with a few old timers about GTS, and they pretty much said the same. Of course the decline did start happening. The point of course though is that at one time both of those neighborhoods were nice and did not have the same problems that they have now.
The Sudley area is another example. Except that neighborhood is sinking much faster. We used to live off of Williamson blvd, and when we started to look to buy(late 99 to early 00) we naturally looked in that area. Housing of course was much cheaper then and the neighborhood was much nicer. Fast forward six years and the same cannot be said.
It won’t be long before the entire area from 66 to 28 to the 234 Bypass is just one big slum. While I do not like over development, I can understand why there is a lot of commercial growth going on in Gainesville and Bristow. People who buy $600,000 dollar + homes want to shop in clean and well kept stores.
citizenofmanassas
I hate to tell you but there are townhomes in Gainesville and Bristow which are overrun with multiple families. this is not a problem just for Manassas and MP. And it seems that the lack of enforcement has enboldened even legal immmigrants into accepting this type of living conditions. A townhouse in the Bridlewood development is overrun with about fifteen people. The HOA is doing absolutely nothing although there is constant mayhem going on, the trash can is overflowing with maggots which are flowing over into the curb and there are toys and contraptions all over the small yard. In addiition many of the residents are using the parking space as a garage and car shop. when I asked the neighbor if they have checked with the owner, they said the owner was a legal central american resident.
Fed up,
I’m sure there are homes in that area like that. Luckily, though it does not seem to be as much of a problem as it is in other parts of the County. Of course it would be nice if something was done before it got out of hand, and becomes an accepted fact of life even in the newer developments.
Lafayette said on 21 Aug 2007 at 10:58 am:
John Light/redawn
“Where Have All The Good Times Gone”-VH. Here’s the link we’ve been waiting for..
http://www.van-halen.com/tour.html
Sold out…go figure - lol. Now THAT will be a concert!!! I leave for Brazil in September (return beginning of October), work related - nothing like going to Rio and having work pay for it!!! I am also a HUGE Formula 1 fan. That being said, F-1 will be in Brazil at the end of the month (same time as my middle-son’s birthday). Again, go figure - lol.
So, when is AC/DC going to tour again???
JL
No, I know we are VIP’S and all, but regular sale starts 8/24.
AC/DC website under construction. I guess, we’ll have to keep listening to Cerphe, as we have for decades now. He always seems to have the scoop before anyone else. “I Can’t Explain”-The Scorps of course(I don’t really care too much for the Who)