Eyesore of the week

According to a reader, this property has stood with torn paper in the windows for at least four years. To be fair, compared to the typical Eyesore, the conditions at this property are a minor nuisance. From the exterior, the split-level home appears to be in reasonably good shape. Apart from the now-fallen paper curtain the front picture window and the saplings growing in the eavestroughs, the house appears to be in good shape.

The unkempt yard and gardens are another matter. The cracked driveway has provided fertile ground for a prolific collection of tall weeds. Despite the neighbors’ apparent efforts to keep the lawn continually mowed, it remains overgrown and unsightly.

In neighborhoods where the problems of crime and urban decay are present, the issues demonstrated at this property might be of little note. Yet, when considering properties within well-maintained neighborhoods – as with this home –ß relatively minor flaws become magnified, allowing the insidious growth of detrimental conditions. Clearly, the appearances of adjacent homes are adversely affected. Sales of nearby listings may be delayed. Apparently vacant, homes like this become the easy targets of thieves, including the inaptly named “urban miners,” in search of scrap metal and easily detached fixtures.

“Eyesore of the Week” is our look at some of the seedier properties in Lansing. It rotates each week with Eye Candy of the Week. If you have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@lansingcitypulse.com or call Andy Balaskovitz at 999-5064.