dan9999
12-08-2009, 01:03 PM
Neighbors say house still reeks even after cleanup
AP
Mon Dec 7, 8:29 pm ET
SUNRISE, Fla. – Residents of a South Florida neighborhood are plagued by a horrible stench. It's coming from inside the home of their neighbor. City officials have already investigated homeowner Debra Jean Higgins, after a utility worker stopped by and called police because he thought someone had died inside. The 55-year-old Higgins, who lives with two dogs, seven cats and piles of rotting garbage, was alive and well. She has been fined $600,000 for code violations, but that apparently hasn't made a difference.
The city finally cleaned up the yard, but neighbors said the stench remains.
Mark Sierens said he can't walk by without gagging. "The entire house is a litter box," he says.
Sunrise's police chief said building inspectors found the home structurally sound, so there's not much the city can do.
AP
Mon Dec 7, 8:29 pm ET
SUNRISE, Fla. – Residents of a South Florida neighborhood are plagued by a horrible stench. It's coming from inside the home of their neighbor. City officials have already investigated homeowner Debra Jean Higgins, after a utility worker stopped by and called police because he thought someone had died inside. The 55-year-old Higgins, who lives with two dogs, seven cats and piles of rotting garbage, was alive and well. She has been fined $600,000 for code violations, but that apparently hasn't made a difference.
The city finally cleaned up the yard, but neighbors said the stench remains.
Mark Sierens said he can't walk by without gagging. "The entire house is a litter box," he says.
Sunrise's police chief said building inspectors found the home structurally sound, so there's not much the city can do.