MURRAY HILL, Fla. – Blake Louis lives in Murray Hill, and he said looking at a particular home on his street, which he referred to as an “eyesore” and “health hazard,” has left him exhausted.
Louis, who lives on Chestnut Street, said he has complained to the city multiple times, but the situation remains unchanged.
According to the Murray Hill resident, the home on Chestnut Street has been a problem for neighbors for years. In addition to an overgrown lawn, trash littered the front yard and piled up in the backyard.
“Enough is enough,” Louis said, adding that the trash attracts rats and that someone has been sleeping outside on the property.
He also said a dog living in the home’s backyard has terrorized the neighborhood.
“These dogs, most of the time, are unrestrained and chase people,” Louis said. “My fiancé and I have been chased by these dogs at night time.”
Louis said he has filed tickets with the city dating back to March, including photos of the yard and how it looks.
News4JAX contacted the city to ask about the home and if there have been complaints. They confirmed that there are three active cases open and an unpaid nuisance lien on the troubled property, which dates back to 2023 and is valued at more than $12,000.
The earliest complaint we received from the city about the property dates back to 2007 when there was “an inoperable green BMW, and a blue Ford at this address.” The vehicles were removed and the case was solved.
News4JAX also reached out to the owner of the home. She told us that she does not occupy the residence and that she will take care of the yard “soon.”
She also said the trash is brought in by a man who lives in her backyard. She has asked him several times to leave and stop bringing trash, but he has not complied.
Both Louis and the owner agree that the situation needs to stop.
“Clean it up, Louis said. ”Get it out.”
The city advises residents who see trash or people living in yards to report the problem by calling 630-CITY or filing a ticket online at myjax.custhelp.com .
Code enforcement will investigate, and if the property owner does not comply, fines may be imposed.
We also asked the city what happens if fines are imposed and owners never pay. The city said they would have to take the homeowner to court to get the lien paid off.