The used-car lot on the corner of Main Street and 10th has seen some changes following comments from residents and after receiving a letter from the city.
Members of the public shared concerns about the used car lot on Main Street during the May City Commission meeting.
The city followed by sending a certified letter May 15 that cited city code related to junked motor vehicles and untagged or non-registered vehicles. It also referenced another code that gave the property owners a timeline to abate the conditions or request a hearing with the City Commission.
LuAnn and Steve Pascal and Belinda Rehmer spoke during public comment to voice concerns about the overgrown grass and unmaintained vehicles.
LuAnn Pascal said they live across from the property and were wanting to see what could be done. She said the cars don’t move, and no one takes care of them.
Pascal said tenants next door have started to mow the grass on the property, but because a wind storm last year took out the sign, there is no indication it even is a used car lot.
“It looks like a junkyard because of the cars,” she said.
Pascal also voiced concern because they had received a citation for “motor vehicle nuisance” because of a car they had sitting near their house.
The old truck was sitting on jacks while they waited for parts to arrive, she said. It upset her to receive this kind of citation after seeing the cars sit in the lot next door, she said.
Pascal asked the commission if there had been any citations given to the lot owners and how she could have the item placed on the agenda.
Rehmer said she had been talking to a resident from De Soto about how cute Eudora’s downtown was becoming. Rehmer said it is embarrassing to explain to people you come down to Main Street and take a right at the junkyard.
She said she wants to reinforce that everyone is talking about the “junkyard” and said as the city continues to invite people to town and spend money on improving downtown, it’s something to consider handling.
At the end of the commission meeting, Mayor Tim Reazin asked what the city staff could do with codes as the lot continues to go downhill. He asked that city staff speak with their attorney or discuss options for next steps to make movement on the issue.
If there is nothing to do, he asked that the city let people know why that is.
City Manager Kevyn Gero said it would be helpful for residents to formalize any complaints about the lot and send them to the city in writing in a letter or by submitting a claim on the city’s website.
Assistant City Manager Zack Daniel said the city would continue to monitor the situation but that it seems the owners are moving forward with cleanup.
Since the meeting, many cars have been removed from the lot after the city sent a letter.
