JUNK ORDINANCE Public Safety Committee Talks About Possible Junk Ordinance In Huntington
Reported by: Darrah Wilcox
Web Producer: Darrah Wilcox
Reported: Mar. 5, 2013 5:50 PM EST
Updated: Mar. 6, 2013 10:01 AM EST
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Huntington
, Cabell County
, West Virginia
Mayor Steve Williams says, Huntington is a "beautiful, beautiful city, but said there's always room for improvement. That's why city council members are considering a junk ordinance, where they'd potentially cite and fine anyone with old furniture, mattresses or appliances left out on their property.
Williams said, "Our intention is, to clean up the neighborhoods."
Members of the public safety committee met today and talked about the ordinance.
There was a proposed amendment meant to clarify a couple issues in the ordinance, but the committee decided the amendment was not needed, and decided to move forward with the original proposal.
Some residents say there's a difference between junk that becomes an eyesore and simply having a couch to use on a front porch.
"They should be able to have whatever they want on their porch because obviously it's their porch," said, Joe Garton. He lives near Ritter Park, and said he likes being able to relax on his front porch couch.
He doesn't think it's offensive, but agrees there are scenarios where the ordinance could help. "If it affects your neighbor's belongings, if it affects anything that's on somebody else's property, or if it affects the city's property, if it's littering, I'm completely fine with a citation there."
Williams says they see the ordinance as a win-win. "We think it will benefit those who are taking care of their properties and gives us something to be able to work with to help assure that others do maintain their properties."
The ordinance is up for a second reading in front of city council members.
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Darrah Wilcox
