Being a resident of Antis Township, I am appalled at the condition of some of the residential properties I drive by almost every day on my trips into Altoona. What I observe are houses that are in total disrepair on their exteriors. The land these homes sit on are often littered with garbage, refuse, trash and rubbish. Most likely, the residents own these properties, but for some reason, they live in squalor.

The condition of the exteriors and land surrounding these homes is a good indication that the homes’ interiors reflect the same unhealthy and unsafe conditions. Both Antis and Logan townships have zoning ordinances that are supposed to prevent properties from becoming such nuisances and eye-sores.

It appears to me that both townships are failing to enforce their ordinances resulting in many of the following adverse conditions: Reduction of the value of surrounding properties, eye-sores, fire hazards, slum creep, likely unhealthy interior living conditions, leads to abandoned properties, terrible odors, dangerous for children, pets, and wildlife; ground water pollution; terrible impression left on visitors; mosquito-breeding sources of water; unsafe structures; risk of spreading diseases; environmental degradation; and lack of good stewardship of God’s earth.

These townships require permits to build or modify existing residential properties. Do they require permits that allow people to use their land as dumps? Come on, clean up our neighborhoods. Township and city officials need to instruct their Code Enforcement Officers to get out and enforce the laws for the good of our communities.

Donn C. Drummond

Altoona