Dear Abby Addresses Neighborly Disputes Over Vacant Homes and Unkept Properties

Dear Abby has weighed in on a common neighborhood concern: how to manage a vacant property left behind after a resident's death.

In one letter, a "Nettled Neighbor" describes a situation where a deceased neighbor's house has remained vacant for nearly two years. The property has accumulated five cars, some with broken parts, and is attracting attention from bill collectors and utility companies. The writer and other neighbors have attempted to maintain the yard, picking up litter, raking leaves, and watering plants, but feel overwhelmed.

"Nettled Neighbor" inquired when the cars could be declared abandoned and towed, and whether it was their responsibility to relay information to creditors and utility companies. The resident also asked for suggestions on handling the overall upkeep.

Dear Abby advised the writer to cease all personal efforts to maintain the property, stating that their "efforts have not been appreciated." The columnist recommended reporting the abandoned cars to the police due to safety concerns. Regarding creditors, Dear Abby suggested providing the son's contact information, noting it's not the neighbor's responsibility but would deter further contact. For other issues like accumulated unsightly items, Dear Abby recommended making a detailed list and reporting it to the city, predicting that municipal fines would expedite a resolution or sale of the property.

In a separate letter, a reader, "Slighted in Pennsylvania," expressed hurt that a scholarship intended to honor a friend's deceased husband was not awarded to her granddaughter, despite her granddaughter's graduation. The writer felt overlooked as the scholarship was given to another student.

Dear Abby responded by suggesting the writer reconsider her assumptions. The columnist posited that the chosen recipient may have had a greater financial need for the scholarship. Dear Abby emphasized that the friendship with the scholarship administrator should not influence the award and that the writer was mistaken to expect her granddaughter to be guaranteed the scholarship.