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MJM: Residential Overcrowding Is Nothing But Our Imagination
By Greg L | 16 December 2007 | Prince William County | 39 Comments
The Manassas Urinal-Massager, using the suspect statistics provided by Michelle Casciato of the Prince William Neighborhood Services Division, has come to the conclusion that there really isn’t a residential overcrowding problem in Prince William County, and all the concerns expressed by citizens regarding this problem are nothing but figments of our imagination. Since the paper has never bothered to actually look for themselves to see if there is a problem, I can understand them simply buying into this goofy report, but journalists are supposed to verify the facts, rather than just do drive-by reporting on what county officials and other news sources tell them. Maybe they need an education, and maybe this is the time to provide them the opportunity to obtain one.
Here’s a good example. This house has been reported several times, but is one of those complaints that never showed up in Casciato’s statistics as far as anyone can tell.
Here’s another angle:
Eight cars for a three bedroom house. Every day. But when Casciato’s folks come to check on this, they conveniently arrive during the day when none of these cars are here. With no evidence that they’re willing or able to collect, viola, this isn’t an overcrowding complaint, and Casciato gets to tell everyone that this is some mundane parking complaint.
Nothing to see here, keep moving.
Here’s one of my favorites from this summer, which I doubt was included in Casciato’s total of overcrowding complaints. A house became so overcrowded that folks pitched a tent in the back yard and started sleeping out there. When that proved to be insufficient, they overturned the kiddie pool and started having people sleep under that. Is this a figment of one’s imagination? Especially not when you have to live next to an outrage like this, and beg Property Code Enforcement to come and do something about this for weeks on end.
And what can we make of this? How many mattresses do you think you’d reasonably expect to find in a three bedroom house in Westgate?
Lafayette (the source of this picture and the one immediately above) can probably comment on the circumstances of this one, but a huge stack of mattresses out in front of a house would seem to indicate that residential overcrowding is something other than a suburban legend here.
Every single block in my neighborhood seems to have recently had at least one case of this sort of problem, although much of that problem has abated starting this summer. By utter coincidence, Prince William County adopted the rule of law resolution on July 10th. I’ve had sixteen packed into a four bedroom house three blocks away from me, an overcrowded house that was raided because four prostitutes were conducting business two blocks away, and just three houses down a property that had previously been a group home for mentally retarded adults became home for four separate families with a total of ten cars among them. Other than the whorehouse that got raided and resolved, the rest of these were “investigated” and found not to be overcrowded.
All the Urinal-Massager has to do is knock on some doors in Westgate, or better yet Manassas Park, and in half an hour they’ll get a real education, much more thorough than the recent anecdotal evidence of a very small area pictured here. But that would require an intent to commit journalism, and I’m sure they are reluctant to risk being guilty of such a thing.
Because they sure do avoid such practices whenever possible, it seems.
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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39 Comments
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The comments of the MJM have been overblown here. The MJM didn’t come to the conclusion that there really isn’t a residential overcrowding problem in Prince William County. The conclusion was that we should verify the extent of the problem before we start grandstanding.
That’s actually good advice.
The MJM also concluded that based on the actual numbers the impact is small. BVBL attempts to contradict that conclusion by posting a few pictures of a house with some cars parked in front (O THE HORROR!!!) and a house with some mattresses at the curb. Some pictures of a few houses and we’re expected to believe that there is a major problem for the entire county. Pathetic.
el guano,
I dont really call this grandstanding where there is pictorial proof and…multiple people reporting the same thing. I dont think people are seeing things, except an ineffective local government unit who doesnt (or doesnt want to) do it’s job.
Get out of your house and take a good drive around town, I’m sure you can capture many pictures such as these (or worse) the problem exists. Whether or not you choose to see it is up to you.
Your picture of mattresses is hilarious! You ask how many mattresses a three bedroom house should have and then you show a picture of three full-size mattresses and three box springs–seems fairly normal for a three bedroom house!
There are, of course, also two baby crib sized mattresses and what looks like couch padding.
Please reconsider your logic-starved, racism-charged rants against “Mexicans”. Enforcement of immigration law is important, but vilifying an entire race for the illegal actions of some is simply not in line with conservative, Republican, or American values.
El Guapo - the numbers released on overcrowding in PWC were grossly understated. I have reported overcrowding in four houses immediately adjacent to my home - both sides of my house - diagonally across the street - and diagonally behind me.
Only one of those homes was cited with overcrowding - and cited three different times, no less. However, that property would only show up as one overcrowded house - even though the owners were cited three separate times.
For the other three overcrowded homes, the occupants told the zoning inspector (Chavez) they were related (blatant lie) - or that they only had one family living there (another blatant lie) - which is all they need to do since they don’t have to (i) provide proof they are related, or (ii) allow the inspector into their home.
Chavez did not cite these three homes for overcrowding.
It has been proven time and time again, the editorial board members of the MJM are stupid and lazy. They are an embarrassment to thinking people everywhere, and have lost all credibility.
As the saying goes, a few villages are looking for their idiots. Well, those villages have to look no further then the MJM offices in Old Town.
El Guapo,
First off take another look those are all matresses, not a single box spring! Why don’t you take a look at these pictures. These violations have ALL been resolved due to very hard work from an active concerned citizen. The house where the matresses on the curb had a visit from Zoning just a week before the matresses.
Then moving on to the house with the tent and pool for outside shelter. This house had several visits from zoning and PWPD.
The owner of the property owned his own business, and had his employees living there. While the men were working the women had a constant flow of traffic, and there were very small children in the house.
Take a look at these pictures. If you have any questions I will be more than happy to explain each and everyone of them.
I have pictures to support each and every call I make to any county office regarding “quality of life” issues.
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/561184047yuacNi
Mexican and Latin American citizens have for hundreds of years lived in a society where corruption, crime, poverty, misery, anti-education and hate for American and the rule law of law is normal. Should anyone be surprised they bring those same values across the border with them?
The MJM states maybe they don’t have enough staff well that’s complete and total BS!! Zoning currently doesn’t have any open positions, and this is a pretty good indicator they are staffed. Ms. Casiato’s report is very discouraging to citizens that might call in a violation. To listen her talk you think well just what the hell can cicitzens do. I will say this little bit in their(PCE) defense, and that is we need stiffer laws at the state level. By the same token PCE needs to be more proactive. When the go to inspect a property they should take a general look around, and they’d probably find some other violations that the citizen’s might not even be aware of as being a violation. I called one problem in recently and when the inspector called me back, she asked if my original concern was continuing, and I told her not the past two weekends the weather has cooperated. PCE did find other issues there and are working on them. This inspector did look beyond just the one thing I’d called in. Thank you Ms. J, she and I have worked together on several cases. She’s is an example for many at PCE. I could write a book about this crap if I only had the writing talent.
PCE has looked beyond my zoning complaints when I turned in homes for parking on the grass.
When reviewing my zoning complaints on-line with the case number provided, I have discovered that PCE has cited additional zoning violations against certain properties.
PCE is getting much better - if only they had the power to address overcrowding…
This might just be a good time to get the MJM on your side. Agree with them. Tell them the numbers do appear low and offer to show someone from the newspaper your concerns. Point out the discrepancies with zoning and what happens when complaints are filed. A well-thought out plan could work in your favor and direct the newspaper’s attention towards the problems with local zoning enforcement as well as the state restrictions preventing enforcement.
If I didn’t live near the neighborhood in question, I would look at these pictures and say…SO????? Slapping up a few pictures of cars and mattresses really doesn’t tell the story. Accompany those same pictures with an anecdotal record of events and one can see a different type story emerging. Photo-journalism is a powerful tool.
Lafayette not only has a treasure trove of pictures but she also has the people skills to interface with MJM. I would urge those concerned with overcrowding conditions in our communities to talk her into winning over the MJM and to show them a different side of the same issue.
The alternative would be to call up the MJM, tell them they are blind, lazy and stupid. See where it gets you.
Dolph,
Please, put your email up for me! I will talk to anyone who is serious about these issues. Will you do this for me? Pretty please with sugr on top?
I would love for the MJM to come and talk to me. I’ve showed many around here. I’ve done several interviews with various media outlets, and would be more than happy to the same for our local paper. The need to see first hand and here the full blown stories behind these violations.
I am not trying to argue that there are overcrowded houses, are there certainly are, and I have one in my neighborhood. But, how do you know that house with all the mattresses is overcrowded and not a Catholic family with 12 kids?
Loudoun said on 16 Dec 2007 at 10:01 am:
You are exactly right. I point the positives out here and my successes at cleaning the community up. However, so many just want to focus on the negative. Well, there are positive things happening and will continue with the efforts of all concerned citizens, PCE, and all elected official at levels. The PCE needs this from our officials. I hope they are reading this too. I only want good healthy safe living conditions. I would think all would the same.
corr
I would think all would WANT the same.
Anonymous said on 16 Dec 2007 at 10:27 am:
I can only speak for that particular house with the matresses just 10 days before that Sr. Chavez was there in the middle of the day, and there were eight men there, and yes I have the pictures of that too.
I understand the delimia over a large Catholic family with 12 kids. However, they are not parking cars all over the lawns, going in and out all hours of the day and night with constant flow of traffic, loud music blasting away at any given time, storm door propped open, or urinating in the yard(front and back). These house also have different residents on a daily basis. I think a Catholic family raising 12 kids is far more concerned and safety for their family than the house with 15-20 single men. These “flop houses” and their “slum lords” could give a rat’s behind less if those “tenants” are living safely. The want that ALMIGHTY DOLLAR.
The two “bunk houses” that are in my area are CLEARLY fishy. Hmm….you say? Well, almost all the vehicles are work trucks. Almost all the people living in the houses are grown men. Seems as though these “families” only consist of mostly grown men and maybe one lady or two and a bunch of kids.
The Patriot (Got E-Verify?) said on 16 Dec 2007 at 10:42 am:
I hope you are documenting the activity there. Some how I bet you are.
Just for Lafayette:
You may contact her at my website email address. I will even clean off all the viagra spam, get rich quick scheme spam, just for you all.
I will forward the email to her. Please put FOR LAFAYETTE on the subject line.
dolphin_moon@excite.com
~~splash~~
Dolph,
Thank you. All are free to contact Greg L too. Dolph has more time on her hands.-lol
Seriously thanks.
Lafayette - I will speak with the MJM as well. When are we going to conduct our “clean sweep”?
Loudoun,
Thank you, we must get them to listen to our concerns and see them first hand. I just this minute figured out who you are. We must take the booklets from Neighborhood Services with us too. I would like all to know that several of us pass these booklets out in our communty. These are very imformant and I truly like the fact that are printed in both English and Spanish.
You know Wally and Michelle C will be talking about the ole “shot gun” effect. Ha! We are working for the good of the county as whole.
Lafayette,
Why yes I do. I am heavily in to sloth and procrastination these days. Just call me the email clearing house. I just cleaned out all the spam so bring it on!
~~splash~~
Dolph,
I’m glad to see you are willing to get involved for the good of all by donating your services to such a worthy cause.
Dolph said on 16 Dec 2007 at 10:11 am:
The alternative would be to call up the MJM, tell them they are blind, lazy and stupid.
They have all the appearances that they are.
I did just that re the Lopez child abuse case. Case went to trial on 5 December and nothing was published. After a week, I sent them an e-mail asking if they ever followed up on a story (they had a front page story re this case before it went to trial.) Never got a response from them but there was a short blurb I think this past Thursday (8 days after the trial) saying the defendant copped a plea etc. This is not the first time where a front page story disappears and never any follow-up. Did you catch the story about the Metz student that “was killed” after being struck by a car and two sentences later said the child was released from the hospital? Appears no one checks the facts and they just want to fill space.
Lafayette(Mistletoe for Dec.) said on 16 Dec 2007 at 1:58 pm:
**off topic**
The Christmas Parade is airing now on Channel 2.
El Diabilo should be coming up soon. Stay tuned…
Good old PWC — apparently most residents of
the City of Manassas were mailed the PWC newsletter
“INFOCUS” last week. Interesting - the county apparently
has a “cable coordinator” — wish the city could afford that.
(By the way, what is the logic behind a mass mailing
to folks in another jurisdiction? Just asking.)
To me, the most disturbing part of the subject of overcrowding is not the conclusions of the MJM, but the attitude of the Prince William Neighborhood Services Division. If this division is lack-luster in it’s approach to dealing with overcrowding, or dare I say “pro-illegal,” how are we ever going to effectively deal with this problem? It’s very disheartening. The Prince William electorate voted Supervisors into office to try to begin the process of dealing with illegal aliens to some degree. But, if the subordinates in the local government are against “the cause” it seems that nothing significant will ever be accomplished. This reminds me very much of the federal government(where I work)….It really doesn’t matter what leaders get elected or appointed, the “machine” will still run the way that it always has. Stewart and Stirrup may have very little control over the muckety-mucks that run the everyday operations of the county. Yes, it’s a good thing that the police will be enacting Section 287(g) program policies, but this won’t be enough to really deal with illegal immigration effectively. Prince William County needs a multi-pronged approach if it’s ever going to work here. But, if the County Administrators can’t even admit that we have an overcrowding problem, we’re in trouble. I mean, any schmuck off the street can see that we have overcrowding issues involving illegals. Just drive through any neighborhood. But sadly, many citizens of the county don’t have to do much driving to see the effects of illegal immigration…They just have to look out their own window(myself included). Just how many beautiful homes have to get gutted? Just how many old trees have to get cut down? Just how many people have to report large groups of grown men peeing in broad daylight, before something is done by the county? The government inspectors show up to investigate at certain hours, because they don’t want to catch people overcrowding in a residence. Yes Virginia there is a problem!!! But, the scary thing is that it appears that the Neighborhood Services Division KNOWS about the problem, but is choosing to deny the 400 pound gorilla on it’s back. Once again, the voters have spoken, but the govt. will continue to function as ineffectively as it always has….Disappointing, and deplorable. A prime example of government ineffectiveness and inefficiency.
El Guapo and Hans Mast-way to go! You have followed the MWB manifesto to the letter:
1. Play the Race Card.
2. Misdirect.
3. Lie.
“There’s nobody actually LIVING in the tent. They’re out looking for a propped open screen door after work.”
We need to be actively changing the housing codes at all levels to end the overcrowding (hiding) of illegal aliens.
CW of PWC said on 17 Dec 2007 at 11:40 am:
Johnson said on 17 Dec 2007 at 12:53 pm:
I agree with both of you. Here’s some of my comments on first thread regarding Zoning/PCE.
Lafayette(Mistletoe for Dec.) said on 15 Dec 2007 at 2:13 pm:
Bayberry,
Your family visiting for the weekend or holidays is very different from living there for living in crowded conditions by choice for months on in. I also, would bet that your family/guests would not be parking on the lawn front and back, coming and going all hours of the middle of the night, or urinate in the front lawn for the world to see. Maybe, I wrong here, but I doubt it.There’s a big difference. Of course you should NOT be penalized for this. I’m a pretty middle of the road person myself, very openminded, and even more INDEPENDENT.
My point in Zoning needing to have a more flexible schedule it would be easier to talk to the occupants and explain what the problem is other than a written citation, which very well might get ignored. Believe it or not I am VERY AWARE of the fact that local zoning offices are limited by the laws from the state and feds. This is all the more reason concerned citizens need to get involved. Our state leaders must take action to give the localities within the “Old Dominion State” more tools to be effective.
Are you willing to pay higher taxes so agencies which are operating at a bare minimum can afford to pay overtime to have someone stake out a house at night (for many days)? PWC is losing money because the real estate tax base is falling. Many small businesses and their tax base will disappear as well. Are you going to cough up the bucks it takes to do these things? Most of us voted to pass bond referenda to pay for parks, libraries, and roads…not enforcement of immigration laws. Are you willing to create a taxing district for your subdivision for all these extras you take away from the rest of us?
Numbertwo,
Take a good look at the county maps of where the violations are for 2007 & 2008YTD. Go to page 13.
Problems, are all over the county, honey! Get over it. If we don’t do something now it will land in your neighborhood. Then will see who’ll be the first one to cry.
http://www.pwcgov.org/documents/bocs/agendas/2007/1211/7-B.pdf
So, WGW, would you pay more for stake-outs? Even that doesn’t solve the problem of having probable cause to suspect the people are unrelated.
No stake-outs needed. Citizens seem to have pretty good details when they call violations in. Ms. C. herself said they will go to homes as early as 5am. Well, why not the weekend too?
Anontoo–no need to raise taxes. All we need to do is cut off services and benefits to illegal aliens. That’s a lot of money we’re throwing away.
Anonymoustoo is bound and determined to make PWC a haven for illegal aliens. What kind of citizen approves of the trashing of their community?
If you’re the monticup of magic fame, stick to that. Logic doesn’t appear to be your strong point. And…what kind of citizen doesn’t want to pay to improve his community, but wants those of us without problems to do so? We voted for libraries, parks, and roads! Yes, we actually had a say at the voting booth in that choice. That’s where the majority of voters opted to spend money. You want more of MY tax dollar but don’t want to spend your own to solve your problems. There are a few taxing districts within the county that residences have formed to alleviate problems unique to their areas.
WGW, I thought the cars weren’t there when inspectors came by during the day. I don’t think one trip witnessing an abundance of cars will justify going to court. The department will want enough evidence to stand up to scrutiny. Weekends are overtime.
anonymoustoo,
Weekends would NOT be overtime if the PCE worked a flex schedule. They need to come in early hours of the mornings when the “tenants” are leaving for to go do the work the Americans don’t want to do(as you’d say, just a guess). Citizens keep logs and take pictures of the comings and goings. I think there’s a few fine upstanding citizens in the county that would be willing to testify in court. However, who’s to say the defendants would even bother to show up in court.
I see you still have those blinders on. Maybe, you should go on a “fly by” with me sometime, and yes includes, Western, Eastern and mid-county.
WGW, you could do a fly-by in my neighborhood and find some overcrowding. It ebbs and flows. A single house here and there. Same with the other neighborhoods down Rt. 234. The biggest problem in one neighborhood is limited to one related family…about eleven members who park their broken-down cars all over the cul de sac. Their dog is the only one in the neighborhood that runs loose. They used to park all over the grass but a visit from PWC resulted in their paving some more of their front yard . Surprise…they aren’t Hispanic. They’re white (for those who value ethnicity).
Does your neighborhood have a civic association? If not, that might be a goal.
atoo: No civic association here. Besides, I don’t think would allow a witch. BTW-I’ve seen violations at residences from all ethnic backgrounds. These days(last few years) the violations are far more prevalent. I’m not the least bit surprised they were white(your words not mine). Ethnicity makes no difference to me. However, LEGAL or ILLEGAL ALIEN that matters to me. This is not about race! Hello!