A long-awaited clean-up began Friday at a South Bay hoarder house that has plagued the neighborhood for more than six years.
After years of neighborhood complaints, the city has stepped in to clean up the East San Jose residence, which is full of junk and has sat abandoned for years. On Friday, crews cleared debris and overgrown shrubs from the Croft Drive property's front yard.
The house is covered with overgrown oleander and weeds, littered with the smashed window of a van, boxes and knick knacks, and home to feral cats.
Others who live nearby have been “dealing with the overgrowth and the poor cats and the owner not taking care of the yard,” said neighbor Paula Martinez.
Property value in the area has taken a hit because of the blight, Martinez said, adding, “We’re very happy that it’s happening today.”
The city says the homeowner, who DMV records identify as 79-year-old Lillian Farris, will be charged with clean-up costs. If she can’t pay it, city officials will issue a lien against the house.
NBC Bay Area has previously tried to reach Farris, but her phone appears to have been disconnected.
