Cleveland Township will abide by its attorney's recommendation and "wait and see" what happens with a long-standing nuisance given ongoing problems in the county building inspections department.

Board members Tuesday reviewed letters from township attorney Mike Kronk and building inspections head Robert F. Meyer regarding alleged building code violations at a home located in Scenic Mountain View Estates owned by Robert S. Saffell. The building has for more than 10 years been a sore spot for nearby residents who have complained about building debris in Saffell’s yard and claim that he is living in the home without the required occupancy permit.

Meyer, in a letter dated Dec. 27, stated that based on previous correspondence on file, Saffell has “made some progress … albeit very little” to bring his home into compliance with the state building code.

“Unfortunately, my predecessor, Mr. VanDyke extended the building permits prior to his departure from the county,” Meyer wrote.

The inspections head stated that Sheriff’s deputies had visited the home several times and found no evidence that Saffell is living there. Neither had Inspections department staff found evidence otherwise.

Meyer reported that several issues were raised at the inspections and that correction notices had been sent out. However, he also indicated that the homeowner has kept “current” all of his building permits, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits and as of Dec. 21 had scheduled rough inspections at the residence.

Township attorney Kronk advised that the board still has the option of pursuing an injunction on the basis of “nuisance.”

“If he proceeds appropriately, the issue may be moot,” Kronk wrote. “If he does not, the board continues to have the option to file the complaint in the Circuit Court anytime.”