Resident asks council to determine ownership and help remove large stump blocking backyard access

Laura Jennings, a resident at 214 Bank Avenue, addressed council during the public‑comment period to seek help identifying ownership and obtaining financial assistance to grind a large tree stump that blocks her ability to access the rear of her property.

Jennings said she bought her home about three and a half to four years ago and discovered a stump roughly two to three feet in diameter at the end of Lello Place that prevents vehicles and her mobility scooter from entering the rear yard. She said a property survey she obtained indicates only a small portion of the stump sits on her lot and that the majority may lie on another property or on village-owned right-of-way. "I would like some help financially in the grinding of this stump," Jennings said, explaining the cost burden for stump grinding.

Zoning official AJ Schwire offered to inspect the site and asked Jennings to provide a copy of her survey; he said staff would look into ownership and suggested resources such as the Council on Aging of Southwest Ohio that may offer assistance for such issues. Staff committed to follow up and provide a business card and contact information for next steps.

Council did not take immediate action at the meeting but directed staff to review the survey and explore options to help the resident.