Dear Editor:
My home on the east side of Jefferson City, backs on a drainage basin utilized on three sides by residential properties. This drainage basin is owned and maintained (theoretically) by the city.
In past years, employees of the street department have mowed this lot two to three times during the summer season. It was last mowed in May 2012 and the grass is now quite long and lying over.
As a result of the heavy overgrowth in this lot, my yard is not draining properly and remains muddy much of the time, making mowing difficult. Water standing in the basin is not evaporating in a timely manner and is a breeding ground for blood-sucking insects which abound. My telephone calls to the Street Department have thus far gone unanswered.
It is unfortunate that the City of Jefferson is having trouble balancing their checkbook. However, when they are able to "find" $10,000 in the general revenue fund to pay for a new project at one of the city parks, why can't they look a little closer and find enough money to maintain their existing obligations?
If this lot were privately owned, I'm reasonably certain the property owner would be subject to a citation and fine because it is an eyesore and represents a health hazard to residents of the neighborhood.