A Portsmouth, Virginia, family says the overgrown cell tower site behind their home has become a pest magnet.
In a WTKR report, video shows the lot still covered in overgrown grass, weeds, and dead trees despite multiple city notices, raising concerns for the neighboring family.
Here's what to know
Joseph Lee Jr., who lives in Portsmouth, told News 3 that his family had seen raccoons, snakes, rats, and mice in the overgrowth near the property. After the original report, the company hired a team to clear much of the debris, and the city posted a notice to abate the nuisance.
However, on a return visit, News 3 found that dead trees and thick grass and weeds were still present around the site. Lee said the lot's condition has taken a toll on him. "I'm drained, upset, frustrated, just want answers," he said, adding that the dispute has become an everyday burden for the family.
City records show the parcel has received its third nuisance-abatement notice this year, and the violation history stretches back to 2000.
More background
Crown Castle owns the property. Lee said Crown Castle responded on September 8 by sending a crew that removed one tree but left two stumps behind.
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The city's notice says that, after a second notice in the same calendar year, the owner can cut grass or weeds taller than 10 inches at the owner's expense. This property had already crossed that threshold.
Lee's family said the animals they have seen in the overgrowth behind their home have prompted health and safety concerns.
What's being done?
In a statement to News 3, the company said it addresses vegetation "on an as needed basis" and that crews visited the site several times over the summer for maintenance. The company also said it had "verified with the city that there are no open issues with this property."
Still, the follow-up report showed tall grass, weeds, and dead trees remained visible, and Lee said the response has not matched what his family continues to see from home.
Portsmouth's notice says mowing can be done at the owner's expense because the property had already reached a second nuisance notice of the calendar year and later received a third.
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