Paris is a beautiful town, that’s a given; however, those sporadically scattered vacant lots are on the verge of becoming troublesome.
In 2016, there were just over 2,600 work orders logged to the city to keep and maintain around 2,200 abated lots. This meant that although the municipality persevered with the upkeep of these lots for ‘duty of care’; the overall safety of the city was still an ongoing issue. There were over 1,000 owners of these vacant lots that were not taking due care of their property, so it fell on the arms of the city to do something about it.
Now jump ahead two years, and the number has grown; there have been over 2,400 abated lots worked on with over 2,800 work orders logged.
Now, Paris City Code Enforcement Officer Robert Talley alongside Paris Fire Department Chief Michael Vogel; is searching for a solution to help lighten the workload for the small group of city workers who cannot keep up with the workload handed to them.
“We have a small crew of maintenance workers who are doing their best to keep these near two-thousand ablated lots clean and clear. But there are too many to keep up with,” Talley explained, “the city does not own any of the lots.”
When it comes to taking on the work, both Talley and Vogel say it is to ensure that the lots are as maintained as best they can. This is primarily for the safety of citizens.
“When lots get overgrown or have been used to throw away garbage and such, it poses a real possible problem for the surrounding properties,” Vogel said, “for example, if a lot is overgrown and has grass two-feet or higher, it becomes a fire hazard when it drys out. You also do not know what may be hiding in the grass that could be dangerous.”
Both Talley and Vogel have been working hard with the one crew of about five men; they say the task is continuing to increase at a rate that they cannot merely keep up.
“Code enforcement ordinances are applied. However, some lots are owned by people out of town, out of state, or they are in a position where they are physically unable to maintain the property,” Talley said.
Both men said they have been happy to help residents when and where they can, as each case can hold a factor to which a citizen honestly requires some help. But that can be few and far between, and with only one maintenance crew that can do the work, they can not keep up with the workload finding it tough to have enough hours in a day and days in a week.
When it comes to current city ordinances, it states in section 17-22 (Overgrown vegetation, rubbish, and stagnant water prohibited;
It shall be unlawful for any person owning, leasing, claiming, occupying, or having supervision or control of any real property, occupied or unoccupied, improved or unimproved, developed or undeveloped, within the corporate city limits if the city to suffer, permit or allow,
(5)Any condition to exist that constitutes any threat to the public health or safety constitutes a nuisance.
Knowing there is a solution was the easy part, but finding the right execution has become difficult. Ideally, both men would welcome non-profit groups, volunteer groups, or clubs to put their hand up to help with a few different lots within the city.
“We understand it is a big task and maybe a big ask, but if we can find volunteers to help maintain some of these lots it will help take some of the workloads of our crew,” Talley said.
“What we are happy to look at helping these groups get started with some of these blocks. Help them really clean it up and then have them maintain it regularly,” Vogel added.
“We have a lot of old buildings, and if these lots were to catch fire they could pose a huge problem for homes adjacent to them, and our first responders as well,” Vogel said.
Both men are keen to find a solution that will end in a positive outcome for lot owners, the city, and the neighborhoods they reside in.
“We want the city of Paris not only to be a beautiful place to visit but safe for their citizens as well,” Talley said.
Recently announced by the Lamar Chamber of Commerce is the upcoming, “Fire, Life & Safety” Building Code Overview & Compliance Seminar.”
This is a free seminar for those that are looking for a further understanding of building codes, code enforcement, and how it all works together. Speakers during the workshop have been announced as; Paul Allen- President Lamar County Chamber of Commerce, Mike Vogel- Paris Fire Chief, Clyde Crews- Paris Fire Marshal, Mark Lacey- Paris Building Inspector, and John Ankrum- Paris Building Official.
The seminar will take place at Love Civic Center on 2025 S. Collegiate Dr, August 21 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. For information on the event, you can contact the Lamar Chamber of Commerce on 903-784-2501.
