MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Homeowners just north of Memphis' Vollintine-Evergreen neighborhood are pleading for help after multiple calls to the city about an abandoned apartment community right in their backyard.
The blighted property sits near Hubert Avenue and University Street.
Denise Cavett is the President of the Hubert Homeowner’s Association. She said she has lived there for 46 years and what was once a peaceful apartment community that sat behind her home has turned into blight.
“I don't even come in my backyard,” said Cavett.
Cavett said it's not just an eyesore but it's also causing environmental issues.
"We have snakes. We have trash being dumped, tires being dumped, fires,” said Cavett.
Treasurer of the Hubert Homeowner’s Association, Laurnce Willett is also frustrated with illegal dumping at the site.
"It looks like a garbage dump over there,” said Willett.
Neighbors said they contacted the city countless times and got little to no help.
"Councilmen, Shelby County Commissioner and all the representatives that I have voted for, I want them out here. They need to see my face and hear our story out. Code enforcement. We call them and call them. They ain't coming,” said Cavett.
Cavett said the city did cut the grass, but overgrown vines were left hanging. Those vines have now damaged several fences.
“My fence is broken. His fence is broken. So, who is going to repair my fence?” asked Cavett.
According to the Tax Assessor's office, someone bought the property back in February 2020. ABC24 tried to contact that owner to see if they have any plans for the property but didn't hear back. Neighbors just hope the city will step in and force them to clean it up.
"Maintain your property. And keep the appearance of your property in line with everybody else,” said Willett.
We asked the City of Memphis if there were any previous code violations at the abandoned property and if so, when the last time code enforcement visited. We're still waiting to hear back.