BROKEN ARROW, Okla — Broken Arrow residents reached out to Problem Solvers for help with a house that's become overgrown after a fire in April 2023.
Michael Ponio, who lives next to the home, said he has lived in the community for about 20 years.
“It's affected everybody around here," he said. "I've talked to a lot of people in the community that feel like we do, and, you know, we've called a lot and nothing seems to get done."
Ponio said the house began to undergo repairs after the fire, but it seems the process stalled.
“We've noticed a lot of a lot of snakes and a lot of rats," he said. "I do my best to take care of that, but I can't do it by myself, and nothing's being done.”
WATCH: Broken Arrow neighbors reach out about overgrown house:
He also said he’s been seeing people sneak in and out of the house, which he says is a safety issue.
Ponio added he and some neighbors try keeping the area clean by mowing the grass, and called the city several times to report the conditions.
Aaron McColloch, communications director for Broken Arrow, said the same people still own the house as the time of the fire.
According to the Tulsa County Assessor’s Office website, the house has been owned by the same person since 2019.
McColloch said he wants the community to report anything they need help with to keep everyone safe.
“If folks are seeing trespassers, that they are seeing people that think are starting to be squatters, we certainly want them to report to the police," he said. "Especially in the case of squatters, with the Tulsa County Sheriff's Department.”
According to McColloch, the owners are still doing their best to make the necessary repairs to live in their house, but it's a difficult process.
“These repairs are costly, and so I can only imagine the financial burden that is probably placing on the property owners," he said. "We ask that folks extend a little bit of grace. I understand it's frustrating for neighbors living nearby to see this.”
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