City ramps up code enforcement ahead of building

Olney Police Corporal Joe Logan will be making the rounds starting next month with a camera and notepad to document code violations in a sweep aimed at cleaning up the City’s derelict properties and tearing down condemned structures.

Cpl. Logan moves from patrol duties into full-time code enforcement at the end of this month and expects his first pass at documenting major code violations will take about a month as he goes block by block. His new duties are part of Olney’s plan to clean up the city in conjunction with a wave of new home construction set to begin this month by Crombie Properties of Olney LLC and Lance and Corey Groves.

Olney Police Chief Dan Birbeck said Cpl. Logan “will focus specifically on clean up projects, code violations and start trying to bring the way the city looks up to what it should be.”

The Enterprise spoke with Cpl. Logan about his clean-up plan and how residents can work with him to remediate their properties.

Enterprise: Have you worked out a plan for where you’re going to start and what types of violations you’re going to target?

Cpl. Logan: This is just kind of preliminary … I’ve got the city mapped in a grid. We’ll just call this grid square 4-B. I can park here. I can start walking and go down all the alleys. My plan is to go out and [cover] certain parts of the grid each day, and look at what our major issues are first. By major, I’m saying substandard structures, trash, and debris. I’m not going to hit everybody with every little thing at first. That’s not fair. We’ve failed, but we’ve got to implement this back in slowly. We’ve got to address the main issues first.

Enterprise: What are the main issues? Cpl. Logan: Trash, dilapidated structures, health and safety [violations]. Our ordinance specifies grass of no more than 12 inches tall. I’m not going to go out with a yardstick… people need to understand that we are coming in and if you are an able-bodied person and you haven’t been doing what you need to … I’m going to write you a letter or visit with you to get it cleaned up. I’m going to give you X number of days to do so. If I see you are making progress I’m going to work with you. If I don’t see you making progress, we are going to run into issues. If you are elderly or disabled, I’m going to work with churches and other organizations that want to volunteer to help get everything cleaned back up. Olney didn’t get in this shape overnight and I know it’s not going to turn around overnight. It’s going to be a process.

Enterprise: For people who want to start cleaning up, where can they haul off the large appliances and debris? Cpl. Logan: The city will pick up household trash and limbs, and people can haul larger items to the Olney Convenience Station [at 5920 Olney Rd]. The Convenience Station hours are Tuesday through Saturday,8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and they close for lunch. We can’t take appliances or tires but we are working on getting a tire shredder.

Enterprise: What do you think your biggest challenge will be?

Cpl. Logan: I can’t pinpoint any problem areas. I know we’re going to run into people saying, “My yard has looked like this for 15, 20 years - why are you just now saying something?” It’s not that we have intentionally failed. As a police officer, your primary responsibility is policing. When you’re trying to do code enforcement and policing at the same time, it’s hard.

Enterprise: How will the process work? Cpl. Logan: I know I’m going to take lots of pictures and take notes about all the violations that I find. That way I don’t ding you with your neighbor’s violation. That’s not fair. I’ll write letters. If you’re outside and you ask me what I’m doing, I’ll explain to you what I see. I’ll note that I’ve talked to you. I’m obligated to send you a letter but I’ll let you know the letter is coming and we will work on it from there.

The letter has our phone number … so you can contact me. As long as you contact me, and let me know that you’re working on it we will work with you. Even if you don’t have a violation or you’re unsure about something, call. I’ll come out and visit with you. I’ll let you know what I see. I may not necessarily work your case. But when I get to your section of the grid, you’ll already be prepared and maybe you even start working on it.

Enterprise: What happens when people don’t comply?

Cpl. Logan: If you don’t fix the violation, I’m going to keep knocking on your door and potentially cite you. After a certain point, the city will have to start the abatement process. I don’t want to do that but will be forced if property owners refuse to correct the problem or communicate with us. We have organizations that can help you. If you just tell me, ‘Hey, I can’t do this on my own.’ I’ll see what I can do to help you get you back on track. My goal is not to write everybody a citation. There’s a reason why you’re in the situation you’re in. It may be financial; it may be health, but we want to work with everyone to make Olney a place everyone can be proud to live.

Enterprise: Citations are not cheap. How much do code violations cost?

Cpl. Logan: They can go up to $500, depending upon what the violation is. Some can actually exceed $500, but for a Class C, generally, the threshold is $500.

Enterprise: How can people reach you?

Cpl. Logan: The main Police Department number: 940-276-2013.