Foreclosures Causing Millions To Be Spent On Mowing Lawns

What is the connection between mowing lawns, foreclosures and Prince William County? The answer is – millions of dollars. Foreclosures are causing millions to be spent on mowing lawns – about $2 million. Prince William County is in a cash strapped situation. But that does not stop innumerable complaints from dropping in. It has set into motion an emergency hunt around for extra funds.

At the root of the trouble are foreclosures leaving behind in its trail abandoned houses. There is an avalanche of vacant houses creating social, economic and health problems. Vagrants vandalize the houses. Drug parties lead to violence vitiating the atmosphere. Overgrown gardens invite snakes, rats, frogs and mosquitoes. Stagnant pools join in the melee. All these combine to make life miserable for the neighbours. Too many foreclosed houses waiting to be sold means too few buyers that brings down the real estate market. Tax collection drops leaving the administration confused and frustrated to tackled growing problems.

This year 2,700 lawns had to be mowed three times. Last year 140 lawns were mowed. Michelle Casciato, the director of the Prince William County’s Neighborhood Services said that in three weeks they received 500 complaints about neglected lawns. In the 2007 there were 500 grass-related calls during the whole year.

The grassy problem is severe. It is taking up a lot of time for the division. Trying to find a viable solution to the weedy issue, Casciato has suggested that the lawn mowing laws of the county be reversed. Previously grass was not allowed to grow beyond 12”. But today, considering the extraordinary circumstances, it should be allowed to reach 18”. Casciato asked skeptically “Are we only in the grass business?” It costs $259 to mow down each lawn on an average. Cutting down 18” grass is a challenge.

Craig Gerhart the County Executive had to turn down a budget proposal last autumn for doubling the department’s size during the next five years. The reason for this was that the county just did not have the money for it. The county officials are blaming the banks for this situation because it is they who are the owners of the foreclosed units. As such they should foot the bills. Meanwhile a ‘crisis budget’ has been passed after slicing off huge chunks from the spending list. The supervisors are getting ready to receive more complaints about unattended grassy complaints as pace of action slows down.