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WEST JORDAN -- In one West Jordan subdivision, neighbors are upset about a property owner's weeds, which have taken over the property and are creating quite an eyesore. Unfortunately, the property owner is the developer of the subdivision.
Because the overgrown weeds are a violation of city ordinances, the city of West Jordan and the developer are engaged in a legal battle.
"We planned on living in a nice neighborhood and the people around us take care of their yards," said resident Christie Hardey. "We take care of our yards."
It's really disappointing. When you drive in the neighborhood, it just really looks like the neighborhood has been abandoned.
–Christie Hardey
But behind the property lines of the homes in the Sycamore subdivision, overgrown weeds have neighbors upset about the unkempt lots.
"It's really disappointing," Hardey added. "When you drive in the neighborhood, it just really looks like the neighborhood has been abandoned."
"We were all told when we moved in here that this was going to be a park," said resident Doug Beckstead of the abandoned lots.
On Thursday, the lots were mowed after neighborhood leaders announced the mayor and the media would be invited to attend a rally in the area.
"This is the first time it's been cut this year," said resident Ray VanWagoner.
"When the wind blows, it blows the seeds over into our yards," Beckstead said. And those of us who are trying to keep our yards looking nice are having weeds."
West Jordan Mayor Melissa Johnson said the legal battles were "very frustrating." She said the developer has the responsibility to maintain those areas and is in violation of city ordinances.
But until the pending litigation is resolved, there is little the city or neighborhood can do.
"The city's hands are tied," said Mayor Johnson. "We can't go onto private property legally and do anything."
Until then, neighbors say they'll have to live with it.
"We love this area, but it feels like somebody's taken it and put a black smudge all over it," VanWagoner said.
According to Salt Lake County records, the developer owes nearly $300,000 in unpaid taxes on the development area. KSL also learned that one of the developers former contractors has now filed a lawsuit against him for more than $100,000 in materials and labor.
Email: manderson@ksl.com
