In clothing styles, there's such a thing as "shabby chic." But that phrase doesn't apply to neighborhoods.
Two Harbors building official Jim Rich said that in driving around town, he has noticed things have become "a little unkempt." He wants to do something about it, and the city council agreed.
Beginning this week, Rich intends to systematically inspect residential property by dividing the town into grids and covering as much as he can each week, section by section. He'll be looking for discarded white goods, junk vehicles, piles of brush and yard waste, debris left from remodeling projects, old tires and hazardous waste.
"We have an ordinance in place to deal with these things," Rich said. "We're going to make this a real concentrated effort to get things cleaned up."
Violators will receive a letter giving them 10 days to clean up messes. After that, people will be fined.
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"When debris is out in the open, it becomes a cancer in the neighborhood," Rich said. "It makes it easier for the next guy to do the same."
Rich said that he asked the city council to support the effort to clean up the town in order to keep things consistent.
"It's important the council doesn't waver if people come to them for variances," Rich said, adding that it can't only be the obvious violators who are disciplined.
Rich said police deal with junk cars, since the definition of "junk" is more complicated in those issues.
"I'll give them a list of vehicles I find," he said.
The rules for disposing of trash vary, depending on whether it's organic, hazardous or electronic waste. To find out the options for cleanups, contact the office of Curt Gadacz, Lake County solid waste officer, at (218) 834-8304.
