More than 100 Washington families have moved back into their homes since the November 17th tornado. Peoria Public Radio’s Alex Rusciano reports that’s posing a new challenge for the city:
The returning families mean more activity around properties with large construction holes and overgrown weeds and grass. The City sent 370 letters to homeowners urging them to fix the problems or face fines later this month. Washington Mayor Gary Manier says the city is willing to work with homeowners who are still struggling to get up to code:
“If you call and say ‘I have a hardship, I don't have the insurance funding or I can;t find volunteers to help me’, just tell us. We’re going to either help find those volunteers, or give you an extension on the 10-day letter that we sent out. It’s just a matter of compliance.”
Some residents at last night’s tornado recovery meeting expressed concern that the city’s enforcement letters were too harsh. The city is also considering legal action against at least two homes that officials say have remained untouched more than 10 months.