HomeMy WebLinkAbouta. Status of Project Clean UpMemo
To: Steve Fitzgibbons, City Manager
From: Lawrence Baker, Director of Community Services
Date: 02/14/02
Re: Status of Project Clean-up
Currently, the cleanup of alleys,easements and right of ways is progressing smoothly. We
have completed the first phase of the project and we are now finishing the second phase of
the project. We have now expanded the project to include areas on the East Side of town up
to Duff Drive. The problem locations in this part of town are more scattered and not as
centralized as on the West side. The goal of this project is to provide a safer and cleaner
environment for our citizens.
The bids from Contractors have been favorable and very competitive and this has enable us
to schedule more areas for cleanups. I have reinspected the initial areas that were part of the
cleanup. The results of the work and appearance of the area is very good. The work is still
incomplete but we are making progress to finish up on the West Side. I have identified some
areas that were missed in the first phase and we will place them on a new list. I have
prepared some digital photos of some targeted locations scheduled for clean ups. I have also
taken photos of areas that have already been cleaned.
Staff is preparing another bid list for Contractors, which should address other areas on the
West side of town that were left out during the first phase. A list for the East side of town has
been awarded and is currently being cleaned.
Owners have been notified of the upcoming project for the East side of town. The majority of
responses from citizens has been positive. The letters have been educational and informative
to them. We have noticed from the comments of the citizens that a lot of them were not
aware they were responsible for maintaining these areas. Some owners were upset about
receiving the letters because they were taking care of their property. I explained to them that
we were notifying all adjoining property owners in the targeted areas and we were not
targeting them for violations (see copy of notice in attachment).
They do appreciate the work that is being done to assist them. We will not bill owners for the
cleanups associated with alleys, easements or the right of ways. However, we will bill owners
for removal of underbrush on vacant and developed lots.
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City of Port Arthur
444 4th Street, Room 202
Port Arthur, TX 77640
February 5, 2002
August Mary
f019 19th St.
Port Arthur, TX 776403657
SUBJECT:
_1019 19th St.
Lt 7 BLK 429 City of Port Arthur
Dear Port Arthur Property Owner
Please read the attached flyer regarding the cleanup and future maintenance of alleys, easements
and right of ways adjacent to your property in the city.
The City of Port Arthur is asking for your assistance in keeping this city a safe and healthy place
to live.
Lawrence~Baker
Community Services Director
444 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 776401089
NOTICE
TO
PROPERTY OWNER
Article III, Sec. 34-81 (b) of the City of PortArthur Code of Ordinances
makes it unlawful for any'person who owns or occupies any lot or premises to
suffer or permitweeds, grass or uncultivated plants other than trees to grow
to a greater height than 12 inches on that portion of the right-of-way which
abuts such lot or premises between the centerline of such right -of-way and
the property line of such premises.
Property owners are also responsible for keeping their half of any easement
clear of any weeds or brush. If it is shown that a person has violated this
ordinance, that person shah be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor
more than $500.00 for each offense. In addition to the fines and penalties
provided in this section, if a person owning any lot or premises in violation of
this section fails or refuses, after notice, to cut such weeds, grass or
uncultivated plants, the designated enforcement otT~cer may cause such
weeds, grass or uncultivated plants to be cut, and the defendant shah be
billed accordingly as delineated in Sec. 34-87.
FOR ONE TIME ONLY the City will clean the easement and/or
right-of-way abutting your property at no expense to you. After
the City cleans this property, it will be your responsibility to keep
the property, easement and/or right-of-way clean in the future. If
you fail to do so, you shall be subject to the penalties or expenses
delineated above.
Please help to keep the city of Port Arthur a safe and healthy place to live.
Thank you for your assistance in this important matter.
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