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| Ross
Mason photo |
If
the City of Scottsdale prevails in its abatement action,
these and other objects on Henry Becker’s property
at the southeast corner of Pima and Happy Valley roads
will have to be removed. The city claims the exhibits
are blights on the neighborhood, while Becker contends
they’re art.
(Click picture for full size image) |
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Art
or nuisance? Desert ‘exhibition’ awaits court’s ruling
by
Barry Cohen
SCOTTSDALE
– A City Court judge will review evidence June 28 in the
city’s abatement action against Henry Becker, the owner
of a 90‑acre parcel at the southeast corner of Pima
and Happy Valley roads.
The
city contends the exercise bike, furniture, clothing,
streamers, empty pole displays and other objects exhibited
on the property, easily visible from Pima Road, are blights
on the neighborhood. Becker contends the various items
are “art,” according to Raun Keagy, Scottsdale’s neighborhood
services director. The city also wants Becker to remove
brush piles and tree trimmings from the property.
Not
included in the abatement action are No Trespassing and
No Dumping signs on the property, nor are signs that express
Becker’s personal viewpoint.
If
the city prevails in its abatement action and Becker fails
to remove the items voluntarily, the city has the right
to go onto his property and do so. “Becker would then
be billed for removal costs. And if he refused to pay,
the city would place a lien on the property,” said Keagy.
In
February, the city issued Becker a notice of violation.
When he failed to comply, the city in March notified Becker
that they intended to seek abatement, if he did not remedy
the code violations.
As
of Tuesday, Becker could not be reached for comment.
Reach
the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.
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