Grass Violations by Ward in Bedford, OH
BEDFORD, OH — This summer, nearly a hundred Bedford residents found themselves facing grass violation notices in the month of June alone. But behind the numbers lies a bigger story: Are these violations a necessary step to keep our neighborhoods tidy, or are they unfairly targeting the city’s most vulnerable? We dig into the ward-by-ward breakdown to reveal the true impact on our community.
| Ward | Councilperson | Initial Violations Reported in June 2024 | Initial Violations Reported in July 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ward 1 | Sandy Spinks | 13 | 6 |
| Ward 2 | Steve Salvi | 18 | 9 |
| Ward 3 | Victor Fluharty | 21 | 4 |
| Ward 4 | Frank Smith Jr | 1 | 1 |
| Ward 5 | Jeff Asbury | 23 | 16 |
| Ward 6 | Tony Longino | 18 | 22 |
Councilwoman Sandy Spinks (W1) stressed the importance of community responsibility, particularly in helping neighbors in need.
“If you have an elderly neighbor, help them out when you cut your grass—maybe cut theirs.” ~ Sandy Spinks, Councilwoman, Ward 1
Spinks also emphasized that maintaining property is the homeowner’s or landlord’s responsibility.
“[T]he City doesn’t want to cut your grass.” ~ Sandy Spinks, Councilwoman, Ward 1
For those facing challenges, she advised:
“If you have a health problem or are going out of town, contact your councilperson.” ~ Sandy Spinks, Councilwoman, Ward 1
All Bedford City Council Members were requested to comment.
A Bedford, OH Resident Speaks Out
K.A., a resident of Harriman Ave, shared their thoughts on Bedford’s grass violation fines. While they haven’t received a fine personally due to hiring a landscaper after an injury, they expressed concern for residents who can’t afford such services, especially seniors and those living below the poverty line. K.A. believes the current fines may be unfairly targeting vulnerable residents.
“I think the fines as they currently exist are hurting our community because at the end of the day, they’re targeting some of our most vulnerable residents.” ~ K.A., Resident, Harriman Ave
They propose a system where warnings are issued, and residents can submit forms to prove extenuating circumstances. The fines collected from negligent property owners could then fund lawn care services for seniors and disabled individuals. K.A. emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between negligent owners and those facing genuine hardships.
“If we made the effort to make that distinction, I wouldn’t be opposed to fines. I believe small things like this – Taking care of our own people – is what makes a city exceptional.” ~ K.A., Resident, Harriman Ave
Bedford, OH Building Department Grass Violation Process
When a grass violation is reported, the Building Department conducts an on-site inspection to confirm the issue. They measure and photograph the property, clearly showing the house and address, and then post a violation notice on the property. After creating a file and documenting the details of the violation, including the type of violation (tall grass and weeds), they schedule a follow-up inspection four days later. If the grass has not been cut by the follow-up, the case is escalated, and the property is sent to a contracted service for cutting. The service then provides before and after photos of the cutting.
For properties with repeated violations or vacant lots, the Building Department may place them on a bi-weekly maintenance schedule without further notice. Once a property has been posted for the season, any further violations will be addressed by sending the property directly to the service for cutting, without additional notification.
I’ve Received a High Grass Citation in Bedford, OH
Have you received a high grass citation? You can reach the Building Department at (440) 735-6583 or at building@bedfordoh.gov.
I Want to Report High Grass in Bedford, OH
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