HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007- Complaint Letter
June 29~ 2007
To Whom It May Concern~
Weare property owners on the north side of Oshkosh with a neighborhood concern
regarding the property and structure across the street from our home. Our address is
2120 Minerva Street. We have lived at this address for 20 years. The structure and
property we have a concern with is addressed as 1902 Minerva Street. Since the
footage of our block is smaller than most, there are only two houses on each side of
the street. . We are across the street and just one house down from the 1902 address.
This property is currently uninhabited. Over the years it has had a number of occupants,
all of which were rental tenants. We have never had an issue with any of the tenants that
were our neighbors. We have had and continue to have great concerns regarding the
acting landlord and his maintenance of the property and its structure. Since we have
lived in this neighborhood for 20 years, we have observed a number of problems and
possible hazards with the dilapidated structure and surrounding yard. It is certainly an
eye sore and stark contrast to the other neighboring houses.
The outward appearance is the minor part of the problem and our overall concern. Health
and safety issues are what need to be addressed. There is not a foundation on the house,
which creates a breeding ground for rodents and other animals. We know of this likely
possibility because of the animals that inhabited the makeshift garage that was previously
next to the house and has since been torn down. There are two large-size trees on the
property that are also a hazard. One has limbs overhanging the street. Its branches sweep
across the tops of large size cars as they pass. When walking on the sidewalk, a tall
person needs to duck his or her head to avoid the branches and leaves. The other large
tree is a dead one located between this property and the neighbor on Roosevelt Street.
It is only a matter of time before a storm, or other act of nature~ causes this tree to fall.
Injury, or worse, to anyone in its path, is a grave concern. Just as much of a concern,
for passer-bys, is the neglected yard. Tall grass~ scattered twigs and branches, and other
litter invite wild animals to linger and hide. Since this property is on a corner, the
footage involved is significant. Inside the house, we have been made aware of code
and wiring issues that pose further hazards. This is likely why the premise is currently
vacant. Continued vacancy and neglect of the property is yet another concern.
Overgrown and parched grass by an older wooden structure is certainly a fire hazard.
Dilapidated and vacated buildings are often prone to vandalism of a destructive nature.
Weare a family-oriented neighborhood. There are children in near vicinity of this
property including our youngest daughter, age 8. We are deeply concerned about the
continued issues and likely hazards associated with this property. We are asking the city
to consider affirmative action in dealing with the landlord of this property so it is no
longer a health and safety issue of concern for our neighborhood.
trY~
Yl AAey 1~0
Dave Lokken
Nancy Lokken