Elgin to crack down on nuisances?
Attention local property owners: City officials are sick and tired of people who don’t cut their grass, leave couches on their porches, park in their yards and work on their cars outdoors.
And they say they’re not going to take it anymore.
Starting July 1, inspectors would stop issuing warnings for so-called “nuisance code violations” and start issuing $50 fines on the spot. Residents who don’t correct the problem that day would draw additional $50 fines for up to two more days. After 10 days, if the issue remains unresolved, the total fine would double to $300.
Under existing rules, nuisance violators are given a grace period of at least three days to take action, with fines coming only if they fail to do so. (source: Elgin Courier 6/11/06)
Interesting…didn’t see noise pollution on the list though.
Also, I don’t know if obesity and dangerous driving are nuisances, but I wonder if they’ve considered a cell phone ban? Or a fat tax?
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Hey this is great! I’m glad the city wants to keep Elgin clean and free of people’s junk in the front yard. I’d rather live in a clean neighborhood than one with old couches in the front yard or on the porch!
Yeah, hopefully it works. My only worry is about how it’s bound to be somewhat arbitrary. One man’s junk is another man’s lawn art. With luck, something can be worked out that will address the major nuisances without intruding too much on property rights.
I’d totally be in support of a noise fine. I was just thinking the other day how sick to death I am of hearing other peoples’ music.
How very sad. It sounds a little like Elgin is taking the Fascist route to cleaning up itself.
Perhaps educating neighborhoods in conflict resolution would be a better solution than imposing fines without notice. Working with people instead of against people seems like a more effective way to run a city.
good point, cedar.