Council to Weigh Measures to Deal With Nuisances

A modest three-bedroom house whose inhabitants for years disturbed the tranquillity of a neighborhood, has prompted Stanton City Council members to reflect on what the city can do to stop neighborhood nuisances.

For 3 1/2 years, neighbors complained about the house on Eileen Street, saying its residents regularly drank alcohol on the front lawn, parked cars on the lawn, urinated in public and played loud music through the night.

Residents of the house moved out two weeks ago, revealing that up to 25 people may have been living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. On a weekend bike ride through the city, Councilman David Shawver witnessed the scene as the house emptied out and former residents stood on the lawn with their belongings.

“The place was a shambles,” said Shawver. “I saw electrical wires almost touching the bathtub. The toilet didn’t work,” and dead animal parts were littered everywhere, he said.

Two men had leased the house from a property management company handling the rental for the owners, a couple living in Northern California. The renters then allegedly sublet the house to several families, said Shawver.

Outraged over the lack of responsibility, primarily by the two men but also the property management company, Shawver asked that the council discuss the issue at Tuesday night’s council meeting.

“[Police and code enforcement] investigations didn’t show that it was as bad as it was. Now that I have the information, we need to take action,” he said.

Two neighbors wondered why the city had never done anything to quell the problems. “We went through holy heck,” said Richard Torrez, who lives across the street from the house. “I’m not very happy with the city. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t arrest anyone.”

But Community Development Director Mark Lloyd and City Manager Terry Matz defended the city’s actions. They said code enforcement and police had investigated every complaint. “When we did respond, nothing was discovered,” said Lloyd.

Shawver wonders whether the city simply needs to have more creativity in dealing with neighborhood nuisances. Federal housing laws allow up to 17 people to live in a house the size of the one on Eileen Street. But he said the city can invoke nuisance laws prohibiting public drunkenness and curfew violations by children. The city also needs to ensure that owners and property management companies are notified of problems, he said.

The council will hold a public meeting on July 12 at 6:30 p.m. to get input on how they can better combat neighborhood disturbances. But residents on Eileen Street thankfully say they need no longer worry. “It’s like night and day. It’s peaceful. It’s like a community should be.” said Torrez.

Judy Silber can be reached at (714) 966-5988