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Article: Tracking Crimes Of the Yards in Md.; Inspectors Play Peacemakers In Residents' Lawn Disputes
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- July 8, 1988
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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By the time the Montgomery County weed-and-garbage squad arrives
on the scene, the problem usually is more than just towering weeds or
mounds of rubbish. It's often a festering neighborhood feud that
puts county officials in roles as peacemakers or social workers.
"I think it's unfortunate we don't have the kind of community
anymore where a neighbor can ask another neighbor: `Hey George, when
ya' gonna cut your grass?' " said John Berger, a code enforcement
inspector with Montgomery County's Department of Environmental
Protection.
"People are so quick to pick up the phone and complain," said
Berger, who tries to persuade snitched-on residents to cut their
grass or clean up their lawns. He ...