Pool continues to collect and hold stagnant water

Code Enforcement got back to me right away with an answer about why the black plastic was not removed from the abandoned swimming pool. There is no city ordinance that addresses the safety hazard it creates, and the developer who owns the property refuses to remove it when politely asked. Meanwhile, the pool always has stagnant, mosquito breeding water in it as it is never completely drained and it is not covered. That issue IS covered by City ordinance, it IS a health issue.

POOL DRAINED. PLASTIC NOT REMOVED.

An abandoned swimming pool at Appletree Point Farm was finally drained, about two weeks after the mosquito infestation began in our area. A heavily submerged black plastic liner remains, which could trap an animal or a child who slipped into the pool.

POOL STILL NOT DRAINED, PROPERTY A FIRE HAZARD

This abandoned swimming pool sits like a fetid breeding ground for mosquitoes. People in our neighborhood are very responsible about public health, and we are proud homeowners who pay our taxes and keep up our properties. The neglected property is owned by a developer who doesn't mow the grass or pick up broken trees, and doesn't participate with neighbors in shared road upkeep.






The house -- listed on the historic register -- is neglected. Pipes broke last winter because the house wasn't heated adequately. It's like having an absentee landlord, except the owners talk about being local! People say the City has laws against abandoning a property and neglecting to maintain the grounds, and that historic properties can't be left to demolition by neglect, but day after day nothing is done to prevent what is happening here.
Neighbors are concerned about the house/property becoming a fire hazard due to fallen tree limbs and dried vegetation in the yard, and doors/windows not secured inviting vagrants.

Fire conditions of concern in North End area, posted on FPF

Sun, 27 April 2008

The Burlington Fire Marshal's Office encourages everyone to protect your property from arson by removing fuels from view, locking doors and windows, and reporting suspicious activity to your local police by calling 911.

Fires are especially dangerous due to the lack of rain recently. Dried out vegetation ignites quickly and turns a small fire into a real problem in a hurry.

Thomas A. Middleton,
Assistant Fire Marshal
Burlington Fire Department
tamiddleton@ci.burlington.vt.us
(802)864-6923