Town of Pulaski focusing on reviewing, enforcing ordinances to keep town clean, attractive
Pulaski, Virginia – Since the Town of Pulaski’s inception and incorporation, our leaders have had a strong desire to keep our community clean and attractive to both citizens and visitors. In order to further that goal, Town Council authorized the position of Code Enforcement Officer and hired Carla Hodge to fill that role in 2017. Ms. Hodge ensures that properties throughout the Town are in compliance with Town code and ordinances.
More recently, new Town leadership has put a large focus on reviewing ordinances that are intended to keep our Town clean and well-kept. Through this process some existing ordinances have been modified, such as the Inoperable Vehicles Ordinance, while new ordinances have been created, such as the Graffiti Ordinance. These updates and additions give our Code Enforcement Officer the tools needed to ensure code compliance is achieved Town-wide.
In regard to the Inoperable Vehicle Ordinance, Ms. Hodge continues to review reported inoperable vehicles across the Town and has made progress with approximately 185 vehicle owners to date. Any towing of inoperable vehicles is done entirely at the expense of the vehicle owner; there is no cost to the Town. One of the more notable compliance issues has stemmed from the vehicle site located on Route 11. When enforcement of this ordinance was executed relative to that site, the owner relocated the vehicles to 1601 Bob White Boulevard, which caused that site to be in violation of the ordinance as well. Last year, the Town began towing these inoperable vehicles as a result of their violation of Town Ordinance 38-141 (et seq). Unfortunately, the owner continues to return these inoperable vehicles back to the two mentioned sites leaving them outside and thus in continued violation of this ordinance. As with all situations where the Town becomes aware of violations, our Code Enforcement Officer will continue to review and engage with respective property owners to effect compliance with Town ordinances.
Our Code Enforcement Officer also continues to review violations of the Graffiti Ordinance Town-wide, and has made progress with 3 landowners. One violation has taken more time to resolve than others, but the Town will continue to work towards resolving this instance and others for the continued betterment of our community.
It’s important to note that the Town uses the proper legal means to address these issues across the entire community; no one individual or entity is singled out. For those that have successfully resolved violations of Town code, we appreciate their cooperation. We encourage all of our citizens to report any vehicles believed to be inoperable, any instances of graffiti, and any other code violations that they believe to be a detriment to the Town. Our citizens’ help is a vital part of community improvement and we want them to take pride in making Pulaski a cleaner, more appealing place to live and visit.
March 2, 2021 @ 5:52 pm
The complete & utter ignorance of this issue is appalling.
We have a Homeless problem due to the methadone clinic & vagrants everywhere after 7pm.
Yet, Enforcing “Codes” on private property is a Top Priority!
What is on MY PROPERTY
IS
NONE
OF
YOUR
BUSINESS!
It is UNCONSTITUTIONAL to ENFORCE Codes & Mandates on MY Personal & Private Property!
Where does this go from there? Putting cameras inside My house to babysit Me??
March 2, 2021 @ 7:06 pm
How about fixing the open drug problem or lack of things to do in this town or bring some jobs in get rid of the welfare housing and eliminate crime instead of bothering the guy with the vw vans the vans and the methodone clinic you let come in are this towns only attractions
March 2, 2021 @ 9:00 pm
People are 100% singled out!!! Very petty vindictive town
March 3, 2021 @ 8:11 am
I run in Pulaski and I personally am thrilled that you have taken this position. The appearance of a town is “everything”. Enforce the ordinances & rules currently on the books ….kudos !!
We have plenty of jobs here. Lowering the illiteracy rate along with a strong faith-based community Will really help. We must continue culture change of Pulaski. This is good step in that direction!
March 4, 2021 @ 7:56 am
For years I have heard the same complaints that there is nothing to do or nowhere to work, eat, or be entertained. First of all, we need to look at how to get industry that pays taxes to the community and wages to people so that they spend in the community. If an outside entity wants to locate to an area, they look at numerous things, attractiveness, ease of transport of their products and able and willing workers. If the area looks unattractive, it sends a message that we are lazy, don’t care about our surroundings and think that living in decay is ok. You have to clean your house before you have company don’t you? You don’t want a stranger to come to your house and see that you live like a pig do you? The same can be said for the town and county. To get what you want, be ready to do things you don’t want to do. READ THE TOWN CODES!!! If you live in the town limits, there are things that are ok and others that are not. Stop saying it’s my property and I can do what I want. Maybe the codes say you can’t. Think how you would feel if you were in a position that you needed to sell your home, you owe $100,000 and the realtor tells you you can only get $50,000 because your next door neighbor has broken down cars in their yard and a hog lot behind the house. These codes are put in place for a reason, not to be petty but to protect you as well as your investment.