You see them all over MidMichigan, properties with grass growing several feet high.
Many of them are foreclosed properties, and the owners aren't there to mow the grass. Others just aren't doing it.
One MidMichigan community is trying to keep its area presentable and responsible while keeping costs down.
Long, thick, unattractive grass crowds several lots in Bay City.
Kathi Newsham, Bay City Commissioner, says "They are out of control. Some of them are five feet tall already."
It presents a safety hazard, an eyesore, and lower property values.
That's why the city contracted All Around Lawn Care to mow hundreds of overgrown lots.
Bay City has a grass ordinance of six inches. The homeowner either has to mow it themselves or the city will do it and put that charge on their taxes.
Newsham says, "The person that owns the parcel has up to five days to respond. If they do, and they're going to take care of it, then it goes off the list. If they don't, the company takes care of it and sends them the bill."
The city also wants to go after banks that own properties that aren't mowing the grass, but there's a problem. Not everyone will comply, and not everyone will pay, meaning the city is left paying to cut the grass.
Newsham worries that could cause more liability for the city. "There's always that in the back of my mind. I guess we'll have to wait and see. We're not out there to be mean or nasty to our residents, but we do want our city to look good."
This summer, Bay City has several feature events, the River Roar, the Pig Gig, and Tall Ships this summer.
Bay City signed a contract to have the tall grass cut earlier this month.
It approves its city budget for next fiscal year this Monday.
