Danger From Swimming Pools at Abandoned Homes
The economic crisis that has brought about the unprecedented foreclosure rates on Staten Island homes has also brought about unexpected dangers. A foreclosed Sea View house was recently in the news for having a green scum filled swimming pool, with a dead cat floating on top, in the backyard. The home was foreclosed and purchased by Consumer Solutions REO, LLC, a Colorado based company that specializes in purchasing foreclosures. Despite the fact that they have owned the home since September 14, 2009, the pool was allowed to remain filled with water and the overall condition of the property deteriorated.
The standing water in the pool is a nuisance and hazard for the neighbors surrounding the home. Besides the possibility of West Nile virus-bearing mosquito's breeding in the water, the unkept grounds invite infestation by rats, mice and other bugs. The rodents and pests can work their way into adjoining homes, requiring the expense of an exterminator to control the infestation. The City of New York has cut 57 out of 84 full-time employees from their rat control services.
Also, an abandoned, unsecured house invites children to play, sometimes with deadly consequences. An unattended swimming pool invites children to play around it, creating a danger if they happen to fall in, and possibly providing no way to get themselves out in the absence of a ladder. If you have an abandoned or foreclosed house in your neighborhood that is in need of repair or maintenance, call 311. The City will send out inspectors to determine if the house poses any dangers to area residents. Make sure that your children are aware of the dangers that the backyard pool poses. If the fence surrounding the pool isn't locked, buy a lock and it put it on the fence yourself. The few dollars that you will spend for the lock is such a cheap cost for the peace of mind that it will bring. If the owners of the property are not willing to take responsibility, I would have no problem making sure that my house, and my neighbors, is safe for my children to play outside.
