David and Jane Szabo of the Bear Valley neighborhood face a hefty charge if they do not meet the latest deadline, the Anchorage Daily News reported. Officials have told the couple they will get a break on fines if they clear the yard by next Tuesday, but if they don't they could be stuck with the full amount, $226,000, plus thousands more for the cleanup.
The yard holds at least 10 vehicles, the newspaper said, along with cement-mixing machinery, gym lockers, pallets and stashes of glass, plywood and wire. A dog was chained to a sport utility vehicle.
Officials said the city has been trying since 2002 to get the Szabos to remove the junk.
Leonard Stanley, who lives across the street, said he tried to talk to David Szabo years ago to let him know neighbors did not like the mess.
"He says 'This is my property. I can do anything I want.' And I didn't bother from then on," Stanley told the newspaper. "And he's a nice guy. Believe it or not, I like him. But I don't have to like that."..." More
