SAN DIEGO — A Clairemont man has been living out of a burned-out house without power or water, and with trash and debris piling up outside. For years, some neighbors in Clairemont have been pushing the city to clean up what they call a dangerous 'hoarder house' threatening their community's health and safety.
Now, it appears that action is being taken.
The hoarder house here on Mount Alvarez Avenue has not only been an eyesore, but a health and safety hazard for years, according to the City Attorney. She is now turning to the courts to take action.
"This has been a long, long-standing problem," said one resident, who asked not show her face for fear of retaliation from the home's owner. Many neighbors said the house has been an blight on the community for years, with trash and debris continuing to collect.
"There is frustration in the neighborhood," said resident Randy Darman. "We've all tried to reach out to him, give him a helping hand."
That frustration reached new levels, after a fire tore through the home in June of last year, and yet the owner, Kevin Casey, continues to stay there.
"It is completely unlivable," said one neighbor. "There's no gas, electricity, or water on the property at at all."
According to this non-conformed copy of the complaint by San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott, Casey has been repeatedly ordered to clean up the home.
He also allegedly has a history of verbally abusing his neighbors and disturbing the peace: in one incident threatening another man with a revolver, and also taking in transients, who've started fires on the property at night.
"It is an encampment," one neighbor told CBS 8. "It is a liability, and the children are at risk!"
She was especially concerned because the house is right next to a school for kids with behavioral issues.
"Children see this house on their way to school, the fire department and police department are called out at least twice a week," she added. "It's a poor use of our tax money."
The City Attorney is now requesting the courts appoint a receiver, meaning that the city would essentially take over the home and clean it up.
CBS 8 talked with the owner, 70-year-old Kevin Casey, who first moved into the house six decades ago.
According to the City Attorney, Casey has had ample time to complete this clean-up.
He said that he plans to clean it up.
"Of course, " he said. "It's never been like this. Do you think I like living like this?"
As for the city's intent to resort to appointing a receiver, he replied, "I don't need a mommy!"
CBS 8 also asked about the community's concerns about camp fires being set on the property at night.
"Well, so what?" he said. "They worry about everything. They should worry about themselves!"
Neighbors said this legal move by the city is a long time in coming.
"We are extremely grateful that the city is finally taking action," one resident said. "We feel that this person can not make sound decisions for themselves."
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