Comment under Post re Rat/Roach Infestation - 431 North L Street

June 3, 2008,

The City of Lake Worth needs to look after its own property, specifically 431 North L Street. The city owns the apartment building and out buildings on this property and they have become a health and safety issue, not to mention an eyesore. The buildings are unsecured with broken windows and open windows and doors.

Yesterday police arrested someone living in one of the out buildings. That particular building is not secured in any way. The interior is packed full of filth and debris and undoubtedly vermin infested. Pigeons are roosting in the main building while debris is scattered about the property.

Steps must be taken immediately to correct this situation.

Beyond the obvious health and safety concerns this property puts the city at risk of being sued.

“Under the attractive nuisance doctrine of the law of torts, a landowner may be held liable for injuries to children trespassing on the land if the injury is caused by a hazardous object or condition on the land that is likely to attract children, who are unable to appreciate the risk posed by the object or condition. The doctrine has been applied to hold landowners liable for injuries caused by abandoned cars, piles of lumber or sand, trampolines, and swimming pools. However, it can be applied to virtually anything on the property of the landowner.” From Wickapedia Wikipedia

I trust the City will take immediate steps to secure this property and protect the health and safety of its citizens.

Thomas McGow
423 North L. Street, Lake Worth