No Zoning Laws?

Disturbing image. I work in local government and my job takes me to a lot of these rural areas. It often times has nothing to do with zoning and has more to do with not having enforcement. A lot of these situations result from the people up top subscribing to the "out of place out of mind" philosphy. The officials in the town or county aren't seeing this, so why should it bother them? It would be a compelling idea to take really professional photos such as this of dump sites throughout your local area and present it before the board. They wouldn't be able to say it's not a problem and is a great way to get results.

- Luke

Luke

Thanks for the comments. Unfortunately this particular problem is complicated by the fact that the property is that of the long time town clerk. I suspect this will need to be bumped up to the County. I’m in the process of taking some additional photos to document the problem.

Wow. This is bad. It is hard to believe that people can be like this. I wish you lots of sucess with the county admin.

Its complicated huh? I would expect nothing less I wish you luck

This is a strong treatment of the problem Phil. I like the way the junk tapers to the background, as the road meanwhile helps lead my eye back through the frame. It really shows the extent of the problem.

And yeah, it's almost universal in rural areas. Especially when politicians are involved.

Wonderful documentation. Unfortunately I've seen this same type of scene many times myself. Not sure its a lack of zoning, but lack of enforcement maybe - I assume there are laws against this type of dumping, but obviously I don't know the area that well either.

Phil, congrats on a fine EP!
Sandy r

Hi Phil! Congrats on EP

István
Gyõr, Hungary

Great photo, Phil! I've seen these eyesores all over. The good news is that if you contact the DNR or the county sanitation/public works department, they might "encourage" the property owners to consider redecorating... ;)

Tim!

First, congrats on EP. Secondly, and this not an excuse, but in certain areas this has been going on for so long it's almost part of the culture. I spent the summers of my youth in northern Minnesota on a farm, and if it wasn't toxic, i.e. radiator coolant, paint, pesticides,etc, there was a road where larger items of refuse were taken. It was part free market(auto parts, furniture), part antique shop and of course a great place for kids to find snakes and other critters.
It is an excellent composition and having said my peace above, the only thing that disturbs me is the rusting 55 gallon drum.

This is really humorous! "The property is that of the long time town clerk." Seems the majority of the voters enjoy the situation or there would be a new town clerk and new town elected officers.

Clearly this is a very successful photo... 'cause it makes me mad enough to spit!

You know how the old saying goes...a picture is worth a thousand words. You might be able to squeeze a couple thousand out of this image. Hopefully someone in the county can read and maybe get something done to correct this. What a shame to scar up the country side like this. Great shot Phil, good luck with the county and congrats on the EP!!