Neighbors angry over piles of junk

PLYMOUTH, Conn. (WTNH) -- Junked-up cars and piles of debris that has been growing for years; neighbors say it goes beyond an eyesore and they are fed up with it.

Neighbors tell News 8 they've been complaining for three years and they say the town and other agencies have been no help.

News 8 got to the bottom of it and there's a reason the town of Plymouth says they couldn't really do much for the neighborhood until recently.

Cars, trucks, trash, tires, a fire place and more. That's what people look at when they drive down Toddhollow Road in Plymouth.

"I want him to clean it up," said Doreen Cowett. "I mean seriously clean it up and I want him to stop bringing this stuff in."

Cowett is beyond fed up. She's been fighting for three years to get her neighborhood back.

"They haven't done anything," Cowett said.

The man who owns the property is Joseph Hooper.

"Let's get one thing straight," said Hooper. "This property only, because this is the only property in question."

That's lot 152, but neighbors say the whole entire area is clearly a problem including a home at 162.

"Why did you say you don't live here," asked News 8's Erin Logan.

"I didn't say I don't live here," Hooper replied.

"There's also a trailer there that someone is living in and I think it's deplorable," said Cowett.

Hooper says that's not the case, but News 8 saw a woman coming and going.

"This is a junkyard he's running," Cowett said.

"There's no junkyard sales going on here," asked Logan.

"No, not at all," Hooper replied.

News 8 went to town hall to find out if 152 is really the only property in question. It turns out it is, but the documents they gave us are confusing, so we requested an interview with the building official. He never showed up, but we still got some answers.

"He did just enough to not have any fines accrue," said Dave Elder.

That's because it wasn't until earlier this year that they adopted a new code enforcement ordinance. Now, they're keeping a close eye on Hooper's properties.

"Why aren't all three properties being required to be cleaned up," asked Logan.

"Well, we received a complaint on one property," said Elder.

That's this year alone. He says neighbors will have to go in and report the other properties: 162 and 166.

"Do you think the general town of Plymouth would want to live across the street from that," asked Logan.

"It would not meet my expectations," replied Elder.

Hooper was issued a citation. He appealed it and the Housing Board of Appeals gave him extra time to comply. He has until October 4th to clean at least one lot up. He says he will.