By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

WEST ORANGE — West Orange is looking at a proactive approach to drainage issues within the city by adopting a new ordinance during the Monday evening meeting.

Ordinance No. 77-C addresses the maintenance of property within the City. Section 1(B) states the following:

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation who shall own or occupy any lots in the City of West Orange, Texas to allow weeds, (12”) twelve inches or longer, rubbish, brush or any other unsightly, objectionable or unsanitary matter to accumulate or grow on said lot or lots, marshlands, timberlands, active pasture lands, adjacent sidewalk(s), adjacent parkways, adjacent ditches, adjacent right(s)-of-way and/or, adjacent alleyway(s).   Unimproved tracts of land larger than one (1) acre in size are excepted.

Drainage problems have increased over the past few years in West Orange, and one (not the only one…but one) of the reasons why is that many ditches and culverts are not being mowed and kept cleaned out, according to a press release.

The intent of this section of the ordinance is for property owners to assist the City, when and where possible, in maintaining the sidewalks, ditches, alleyways, etc. that are adjoined or connected to their property.

The City will continue to maintain the areas, which must be, accessed with large equipment, such as deep ditches, wet, marshy areas, etc.

Property owners are not expected to try to maintain anything that would warrant the use of large equipment but simply a lawnmower and/or a weed eater or grass trimmer.

By working together, we can alleviate at least some of the drainage issues that have been plaguing our city, while cleaning and making our properties more attractive at the same time, according to the press release.