Trash in Ponds Riling Ocean Lakes Residents
By Jaedda Armstrong, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va.
Jul. 21–VIRGINIA BEACH
Ocean Lakes residents are struggling to keep the retention ponds in their community clean.
The neighborhood near Oceana Naval Air Station boasts of 12 ponds and a canal for recreational use. But several people in the 2,300-home community say they are frustrated with the littered water.
On a recent summer day, paper, bottles, tennis balls and even dirty flip-flops floated in a pond on Unicorn Drive.
“These lakes are ill to the eye,” said Travis Bigley, a hairstylist who has rented a townhouse on Unicorn Drive for almost a year. “I have a beautiful home, but in the back all you see is garbage.”
The Ocean Lakes Community Association says that if a homeowner’s property extends to the water, then it’s the resident’s responsibility to keep it clean. Several tenants argue that the upkeep of the ponds should be shared, including with the city.
Jose Rivadulla, assistant manager of the Ocean Lakes Community Association, said inspectors regularly check the area, and if they see debris on someone’s property a series of steps are taken to resolve the issue. But if the homeowner does not clean up the property, the association hires a contractor to do it. The homeowner eventually is responsible for that cost.
J.E. Saunders, supervisor of the city’s Code Enforcement division of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation, said the department can’t do anything about the trash in the ponds, because city employees are not allowed on private property.
Saunders went to Bigley’s ‘ home last week to inspect the pond. “Because of the glare on the water, it was hard to see any violations on the area I was allowed to go on,” he said.
“We cannot force the association to make the homeowners clean up, but we will suggest it,” he added.
Rivadulla wonders why the city can’t help with the ponds.
“Anybody can view the lakes from the public road,” he said. “Instead of pointing the finger at us, the city should work with us.”
Bigley said he’s concerned about the wildlife and is prepared to move because of the situation.
“I saw baby ducks and a turtle today swimming around in muck,” he said. “If nobody accepts responsibility for this, then what’s going to happen? Something needs to be done.”
Jaedda Armstrong, (757) 222-5121, jaedda.armstrong@pilotonline.com
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