Title: Persistent Code Violations and Safety Concerns Surround Neighbor’s Backyard Storage
Residents in El Lago, Texas have raised concerns about a neighbor’s backyard that is filled with various items, ranging from paint cans and gasoline cans to wagons and bicycles. Not only does this storage practice inconvenience the local community, but it also poses potential safety hazards, particularly during hurricane season. The accumulation of loose items may become airborne and cause damage to neighboring properties.
John Ennis, a resident living nearby, expressed his frustration at finding his discarded belongings, such as an old refrigerator, ending up in his neighbor’s yard. Aware of the situation, Ennis and other residents had lodged complaints with city officials for years without seeing any progress. However, when 13 Investigates reached out to El Lago city leaders, they finally took notice.
Valerie Fisher, another resident living next to the cluttered yard, shared her concerns about the safety risks posed by the collection of items. With hurricane season approaching, the loose objects could become dangerous projectiles in the event of high winds. The presence of these items also obstructs views from their windows, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere.
Mayor Shawn Findley initially declined an interview request but later responded to concerned residents via email, stating that necessary actions had already been taken by the city and police department to rectify the situation in accordance with the law. This communication followed 13 Investigates’ inquiry into the matter, which revealed that the homeowner had received 14 code violations since 2018 and accrued $2,600 in fines by mid-May.
Following pressure from 13 Investigates, Ennis and other residents were granted a meeting with the police chief and El Lago city leaders. While the neighbor’s backyard still contains items, Ennis noted that they appear to be organized into piles and rows, potentially signaling an improvement. He expressed optimism that the situation is heading in the right direction and credited the city’s increased efforts to address the issue.
In June, 13 Investigates finally spoke with the neighbor, who acknowledged the previous clutter but claimed that the yard is now clean and was never detrimental to her neighbors. However, open records revealed that the homeowner received a warning letter from the city, cautioning that failure to bring the property up to code could result in legal action, including possible foreclosure.
Ennis has been summoned as a witness in a case against his neighbor, but details regarding this legal action have yet to be disclosed. The El Lago attorney handling the case acknowledged the outstanding issues on the property and assured 13 Investigates that the city is pursuing relief under the law. However, specific information regarding these efforts was not provided.
Despite these developments, the city has not provided further updates or answered follow-up questions from 13 Investigates. The situation remains unresolved, and concerned residents are eagerly awaiting progress.
In conclusion, the accumulation of items in a neighbor’s backyard in El Lago, Texas has sparked safety concerns and code violations. Residents have voiced their worries about potential damage during hurricane season and have sought intervention from city officials. Although some progress has been made following media attention and increased pressure, the issue still persists. The legal repercussions faced by the homeowner highlight the severity of the situation. As this story continues to unfold, 13 Investigates remains committed to providing updates and shedding light on this ongoing community issue.
