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PARKERSBURG - After viewing recent photos and meeting with the owner of Grandview Trailer Park, which has been at the center of numerous complaints, Wood County commissioners decided to give property owner Don Hohman an additional 30 days to finish removing the condemned trailers and clear the sites.

In mid-October, the commissioners gave Hohman, who lives in California, additional time to clear away condemned trailers and address health and safety hazards that have been cited at the 1406 Gihon Road trailer court. The commission went back to inspect the site and met again Monday with Hohman.

"One of our concerns is that there are electric and sewer lines still open, creating a health and safety hazard. There are electric panels that are exposed. As we pulled up this morning we noticed a substantial sewer odor. It's been over a year now we've been working with them. Even in the areas where there have been condemned trailers pulled out, they left the debris laying all over," said John Reed, county compliance officer.

"On the top of the hill, they've done some demo without a permit. You're supposed to have an asbestos test and if needed, asbestos abatement before you start demolition. That wasn't done, we were unaware this was being done. They have removed all the metals, and now what's left has collapsed. No one was hurt apparently, but this is a serious case," Reed said.

"We condemned 11 trailers this year, there have been 16 units pulled out of the park so far. There is still concern over the amount of debris left. The utilities need to be capped off due to the substantial safety issues," Bill Brown, county engineer, said.

"Based on the checklist we provided to the owner, in my opinion, there's been no substantial progress out there. He has removed seven more trailers in the last 30 days, but the debris remains," Reed said.

"There has been some progress, he's removed these trailers, there are obviously still issues," commission President Rick Modesitt.

Hohman disputed some of the report, saying one of the lines pictured is not a sewer line, but a water drain.

"And someone has apparently stolen the cover off the electrical box, there is no power to it, but I would never leave an exposed box like that. It will be covered up today," Hohman said, noting another trailer pictured was hauled away just prior to Monday's commission meeting. "The electric is up to standard, the gas lines are shut off at the meters," he said Hohman said hauling away the older trailers is time-consuming and complicated. "They are being hauled away to Newport, Ohio," he said.

Hohman said some of the debris left behind was from a trailer hauled away 48 hours ago.

"Before this day is over, that will be cleaned up. All our other lots have been raked and cleaned up," Hohman said.

"As for the top of the hill, there is no question that's been a problem. I didn't know this was happening up there. The owner is ill, I'll do everything I can to get it cleaned up and out of there," Hohman said. "We've had a crew up there cutting, taking out trash and brush. It's an embarrassment to all of us, and I will do everything I can to get it taken care of."

Hohman said problems in the back of one of the trailers with trash and debris was also being addressed.

"As a businessowners, we all have a responsibility to the rest of the community, and the condition of your property is not sending a good message to anyone. I know you are trying to rectify it, but it needs to be a positive rather than a negative. There are ballfields nearby, it doesn't send a good message to the kids," commissioner Wayne Dunn said.

Hohman said he plans to make the park into owner-occupied units only. The commissioners said he needs to make sure the sites are cleared and properly prepared before any new trailers are moved in. County Engineer Bill Brown said the commissioners earlier said all building permits requested for the trailer court will be brought to the commission for review before issuance.

"The commission is concerned about the health and safety as well as aesthetics, and there are some potentially dangerous situations that need to be corrected immediately. If you show progress, we typically allow additional time to get the job done," Modesitt said.

"This is such an eyesore, as a citizen I'd like to see it cleaned up, at least along the road," said Guy Lowther, who said he spoke as a concerned citizen.

The commissioners voted unanimously to give Hohman three days to get an additional report back, and if progress appears to be forthcoming, they will grant him 30 more days for the cleanup.