MONTICELLO, Fla. (WTXL) - A ditch in downtown Monticello is causing a major issue for some residents and the big issue seems to be who owns the area around the ditch.
Just off East Washington Street on South Marvin Street there’s a ditch on the side of the road in the backyard of one family’s home. A ditch the family says is a big hazard.
“My kids can’t go in the back to play they have been deprived of the outdoors," said Karen Arnold, Monticello resident.
For health reasons Arnold said she didn’t want her face shown on camera.
But Arnold and her family have lived on South Marvin Street for three years and have complained about the safety of the ditch behind their home for two years.
“It’s been an ongoing issues we have holes in the backyard, the sand has softened to the point where if you step out a little to far your feet will start to sink," said Arnold.
The City of Monticello is aware of the situation but, City Manager Steve Wingate said they can’t do anything about the ditch until it is looked at and they know who owns the area.
“At this time we are waiting to get a survey done on the ditch, so we can tell where the city property line is and what the homeowners property line starts," said Wingate.
Outside of the discussion on who owns the area around the ditch, there is discussion if it is even a ditch at all. According to the city, there is a possibility the area is actually a creek.
While the city can’t comment on the future of "ditch gate", Wingate said if it is found to be the cities property, they will fix the problem.
“We would look at a course of action, fencing or what we would exactly need to do," said Wingate.
A hazard the Arnold family will be happy to have fixed no matter who owns the land.
“I would be willing to get it fixed if it is my responsibility, if I am liable," said Arnold.
Wingate said they plan to have the surveyor come out and check the area by the end of the week.
