Why a boat dumped on the side of the road in Topeka is still making waves
Originally published 10:50 p.m., May 30, 2007
Updated 11:44 p.m., May 30, 2007
While many parts of Topeka have dealt with flooding from rain over the past few weeks...people living near Chandler and Vine are dealing with another type of flooding...a flood of trash being dumped near their homes.
"I blame the city, I blame the people who own the property," said neighbor Viola Hines. "City workers come up through here and there's a lot they could report."
More than a week ago...this boat was dumped just feet from Viola Hine's yard...and it's still floating in the overgrown brush. Now, in order to get the mess cleaned up, the city has cited the property owner...even though it's not his boat.
"It's not the owners fault," said city spokesman David Bevens. "That's the frustrating thing because we end up with folks here in town who are violating the law, that creates a problem for the property owner who then is violating the law."
If the land owner doesn't put the old heave 'ho on the boat...it's going to cost the city a pretty penny to clean up.
"It's up to us to try and clean that up if the property owner doesn't and we end up spending tax dollars," said Bevens.
Neighbors say they don't care who does it...they just want things ship-shape so people won't be as likely to dump their junk.
"I'm willing to wait, I just want some action done, that's all I want," Hines said.
49 News tried to contact the owner of the property where the boat was dumped...but were unable to reach him.
He has until June 14th to remove the boat from his land.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)