Eyesore of the Week

634 South Francis Ave., Lansing

A trash-strewn property plus used toilet paper in the yard and hanging from a front deck railing are just a few reasons this 50-year-old, 707-square-foot home, owned by James and Mark Farrell and occupied by James’ son, Joe, has become a blight in this eastside neighborhood.

Phil Damico, a fed-up resident next door, made a detailed post with photos on the Eastside Neighborhood page on Facebook, sparking more than 100 comments, including other neighbors who said they’ve witnessed drug sales, occupants defecating and urinating outside the house and individuals living in a backyard camper. Damico has a large yard with fruit trees “to feed the neighborhood” next to the Farrells’ house. He said he is repelled by the human waste next door.

Damico said he and neighbors have called City Hall and code enforcement “for months.” Records on the Lansing BS&A website indicate that the city recently responded to the complaints with letters to the Farrells regarding zoning enforcement and trash enforcement. Damico said that one of the Farrells told him this week that he asked the city for a one-week extension to deal with the issues.

The 1955 house, which the Farrells purchased in 2021, has an assessed value of $27,200.

“Eyesore of the Week” is our weekly look at some of the seedier properties in Lansing. It rotates with Public Art, by Bill Castanier. Have a suggestion? Email eye@lansingcitypulse.com  or call in a nomination at 517-999-5061.