Are Forclosures Trashing Your Neighborhood ?

     Mark Yurex, of Middle River Terrace, says it’s certainly ruining his !

     Middle River Terrace is a middle class, mostly blue collar neighborhood that sits almost exactly, (geographically), in the middle of Fort Lauderdale. It’s had it’s share of problems over the last twenty years, but soared in value, and stabilized, during the boom years.
 
     And like other neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere, the boom went bust. Lots of would be millionaires just packed up the dishes and flew the coop. Here is what they are leaving behind! 

                       How would you like to live next door to this beauty of a pool?


                                         


     Thought buying a home on the water would protect you from bad neighbors? … Guess again.


                                       


                          Is this home using the Real Estate tip of “curb appeal”? NOT! 


                                  

                                           So what’s the City doing about it? 

     According to Michael Maloney, Code Enforcement Manager for the City, the City is keenly aware of the problem, has established a Task force and is working on solutions to the problem. He says that Yurex’s neighbor’s house is on the bad list, and they are trying to figure out how to tackle the problem. He says that the wrinkle is that no one claims responsibility for many of these properties, and the City Ordinances aren’t strong enough to fix this complicated mess. He lamented that there are “100’s and 100’s” of these abandoned and degrading homes, dispersed “through-out the City”.
 
     He also said that the City Commission is looking for the City Management to suggest new laws that will be effective. Until then, the City is adverse to just swooping in, draining the pools, and mowing the grass, as the City wouldn’t ever be paid for their efforts.

     As far as Yurex is concerned, he could care less if the city collects or not. He doesn’t feel the City should let these dangerous and rotten conditions exist. In a letter today to the Mayor and City Commission, he rather forcefully states that he is tired of the City’s excuse. “Since my letter of two weeks ago, the weeds are two weeks taller, the pool and ponds have been the breeding ground for a million more mosquitoes, and my property values continue to drop”.

     When Code Manager Maloney was reached for a comment, he said the pools and ponds would be treated tomorrow.

     Something should be done! 




       

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