Complaints about property conditions raised at Steubenville Council meeting

Steubenville council members are addressing rising complaints from residents about overgrown grass on neglected properties. Law Director Costa Mastros explained that the city is bound to follow a detailed procedure before cutting grass, which includes notifying property owners and waiting for their response. Councilwoman Heather Hoover highlighted the challenges posed by out-of-state property owners who repeatedly fail to maintain their land, suggesting the need for earmarked funds to target these issues. She pointed out that current community service resources are inadequate for the volume of properties in question. Councilman Joel Walker called for revisions to the ordinance to allow for more frequent grass cutting, which would enhance neighborhood aesthetics.

The council's discussion also included other pressing community concerns, like the need for appropriate signage for Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. City Manager Jim Mavromatis plans to involve the City Engineer in future meetings to clarify signage decisions. Overall, the council is exploring multiple avenues to improve local property conditions and community pride.