CASSELBERRY, Fla. — Some problems with a property in the city of Casselberry have been resolved, but there is still a long way to go.
A bicycle motocross, or BMX, park known as Casselberry Trails has closed because the bank foreclosed on the property.
But, as WFTV learned, the house on the property was wrecked before the bank could take over.
Jennifer Heslin said that for the first time, she can finally enjoy sitting in her backyard.
“You can hear the frogs at night. You can hear the owls at night. Before, I couldn't,” said Heslin.
For four years, Heslin said, her neighbors threw wild parties.
WFTV’s Raquel Asa found online video of one party that took place at the house in 2009. In the video, one person set himself on fire while inside the home as a band blared in the background.
The bank has since foreclosed on the property. But when Casselberry Code Enforcement came to kick the residents out, they found the home had been vandalized both outside and inside. Pictures of the home show skateboard ramps in the living room and next to the kitchen. Graffiti was even sprayed on the walls.
“I'm out here quite often, and these windows were not smashed up on the RV. So they did all that before they left,” said Marlene Broman from Casselberry Code Enforcement, referring to a recreational vehicle left on the property.
Out of a dozen windows, only two weren't smashed before the residents were evicted. The ones that were broken were boarded up by the bank.
The biggest challenge will be removing the mounds of dirt used as ramps for BMX riders. It'll take at least a week to level the ground. That project will cost the city $6,500. Cleaning up the rest of the property will be the responsibility of the bank.
“The bank is the owner has possession of the property. They will be cleaning up the property and putting it to a presentable state,” said Broman.
Heslin said she can't wait until that happens because she's never seen it any other way.
“It's a load off my shoulders,” said Heslin.
Recently, Casselberry tried to help the BMX park owners relocate, but the owners declined the offer.
WFTV
