Rolling Meadows deals with growing complaints over unkempt yards

Alderman and city employees alike have been getting an unusually high number of complaints about overgrown grass in Rolling Meadows, officials said Tuesday.

Among them is 3rd Ward Alderman Larry Buske, who said he’s been getting a lot of calls from residents in his ward complaining about other people’s yards.

Community Development Director Valerie Dehner said the city sent about 150 violation letters to residents last week, and received responses on approximately half of them.

The increase in unkempt yards, Dehner said, could at least partially be attributed to foreclosures, particularly the gap between when an owner leaves a foreclosed property and a bank takes control of it. Oftentimes the city’s struggle is finding the party responsible for the property, she said.

However, Dehner added, the problem is not “out of control.”

When a resident calls to complain, the village will respond and verify the complaint, Dehner said. The village then attempts to contact the property owner in writing, generally giving them a five-day notice to correct the problem.

If the grass is still not cut, a violation notice is sent and the resident is fined. The city’s last resort is to mow the property with its own equipment while trying to recoup the fine, Dehner said.