It looks like a storm came through this Holland neighborhood last night. But the damage to this house happened eight months ago.
Neighbors said no one has lived in the house at 518 Favony Avenue since October of 2011.
"They just up and moved back to New York City," said neighbor Tracy Cook.
Records at the Lucas County Auditor show the house is still owned by Carlos and Carmen Gonzalez.
"We sent the notice to the official owner on Lucas County Records and returned the notice back because it was going to this property and we have no other address," said Jacob Barnes, zoning inspector with Springfield Township.
Neighbors are beyond frustrated. They've been hearing different news about the house.
"We heard the last of November it was going to go up for a Sheriff's auction," said neighbor Barb Sulad. "I thought, 'oh, that's great."
But, that auction never happened. The Cooks live next door and worry about the safety of their grandkids.
"The house has water damage, mold damage," said Tracy Cook. "It's unsafe. I am scared to death for the grandkids to go and catch something over there."
There are gaping holes in the roof.
The garage door was stolen.
Animals move freely in and our of the house.
Tracy Cook said they've taken matters into their own hands.
"We cleaned up some trees and some of his friends came and cut up the trees," she said. "I actually took branches and moved them from the front to the backyard."
Neighbors don't care who takes care of the house, but just that something is done.
"It's just so hard everyday to pull out of my driveway and go to work. I think 'oh, there it is again.' It's just an eyesore," Cook said.
Township officials said they're ready to send a final notice to the owners and take care of the eyesore.
"If that doesn't work the township could then arrange to have the work done, which would involve removing the tree and you'd still have the house here," Barnes said. "We'd make sure the house was secured."
The township said they would inspect the house to make sure there wasn't any black mold and that the house is safe for new owners. The cost of the repairs would be put as a lien on the property.
They do have the option of taking the matter to court. But, since they can't get a hold of the owners, officials said that option won't work.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTVG. All Rights Reserved.
