DEAR ABBY: How much should a neighborhood do to keep up a vacant house? About 15 years ago, a couple in their 50s moved into the end of my cul-de-sac. Their two children were out of college; the son lived elsewhere, and the daughter lived with them.
Almost two years ago, the dad died suddenly. The mom moved out of state with relatives. The house has been vacant ever since. There are five cars on the property: one in the side yard, two in the driveway, and two parked in the street in front. (There is limited parking in the cul-de-sac.) We have asked the children to sell or move the cars, but nothing has been done. The taillights have been broken, and in one car, a window is down, and kids can get into it. When can we ask the police to declare the cars abandoned and tow them?
The son comes by about once a month to get the mail. Bill collectors come by and ask how to get in touch with the owners. Even the utilities aren’t paid. When I called the daughter about all this, she suggested I give out her brother’s phone number. Is it our responsibility to help creditors and utilities get in touch with the owners’ children?
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