(Photo by Wizzard Media)
KENOSHA, Wis. – A wind-tattered, illegible notice flaps on the front fence of a burned-out property in the 9400 block of 69th Street—an enduring symbol of inaction by the City of Kenosha, where residents say their concerns are being ignored.
It has been nearly four months since a devastating house fire reduced the home to a foul-smelling pile of debris. Since then, neighbors in the Whitecaps subdivision say they’ve been left to live next to a health hazard—complete with raw sewage, toxic ash, and mold—while city officials, including Mayor David Bogdala and Alderman Art DeBaere, fail to take meaningful action.
9400 Block of 69th St in Kenosha
Kenosha County Eye first reported on the fire in January: West-Side Kenosha Family’s House a Complete Loss After Structure Fire. Since that time, not much has changed. The only visible response from city government is a citation notice posted on the property back in March, instructing the property owner to clear the wreckage within 30 days. That deadline came and went. The notice remains posted, but the ink has washed off from exposure to the elements.
“It’s disgraceful,” said one resident who lives nearby. “Another neighbor and I contacted the city several times. The city told us the property owner was planning a cleanup, but there’s been zero follow-through. We just want our neighborhood back.”
According to multiple neighbors, city officials have claimed a cleanup plan was submitted but later fell through after contractors allegedly discovered mold and toxic substances in the debris. That left residents in limbo—with no schedule for cleanup and no transparency about what to expect next.
Several residents voiced frustration that their pleas have gone unanswered. “The mayor lives just seven blocks from here,” said a neighbor. “It’s not like he doesn’t know about it.”
(Cell Phone Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
When KCE visited the site, a noticeable stench lingered in the air. Some debris—what appeared to be remnants of construction material and household items—was still visible near the sidewalk and curb. The conditions have caused neighbors to avoid hosting guests at their homes. “It’s embarrassing,” said one resident. “Would you want your kids playing outside next to that?”
City Administrator John Morrissey, when contacted by KCE, acknowledged that the deadline for cleanup has expired and promised to look into the matter. He said he would provide an update by tomorrow.
KCE contacted Alderman Art DeBaere for comment, but he did not respond. He apparently didn’t respond to his constituents either. Neighbors say even a basic acknowledgment would go a long way.
“This is your district, Alderman,” said one resident. “Please come out, see what’s here, and tell us what’s being done to clean it up.”
With summer approaching, residents fear the site will become even more hazardous in the heat—and say the time for patience has passed.
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20 Responses
Whitecaps- the gift that keeps on giving. Largest trailer park in Wisconsin
I don’ t usually jump on here. This is s stupid comment. This is a beautiful neighborhood with great people.
Would you expect Mayor David Bogdala and City Administrator John Morrissey to work for Kenosha taxpayers ? They are happy getting their picture in the paper or the web.
John Morrissey lol with the fake college degree. Then got his son a job in a police department as an officer as it say average officer. Then his daughter-in-law a job in one of the city departments I believe inspections. Wow.
The fake college degree that the mayor and city council ignores.
The nepotism.
The Morrissey family epitomizes the incestuous corruption that infests Kenosha government.
Wait so people are upset that the city and city officials aren’t doing anything? The only ones responsible are the property owners and their homeowners insurance company. The only thing the city can do is fine them and then it makes a horrible situation even worse. Kevin can you look into what the actual issues are for failure to have anyone clean it up?
The insurance company is trying to be cheap? Or the property owners are because they didn’t have enough coverage on their house? Or is there some dispute going on between owners, city, and insurance company because of how the fire was handled? The other interesting thing is 1 neighbor already is fixed but the other neighbor still sits with damaged siding, etc. that is allowing for how much water damage to the home?
You’re probably right with the insurance company run around. It’s all about the $$$$
One call, that’s all?
… which has past already, the city takes control, cleans up the mess and adds the cost of the clean up to the tax bill. Problem solved.
Doesn’t matter if the current owners pay or if they sell and pay then. It becomes a lien on the property. Done all the time.
That’s how we do that out here in the country.
Sure there’s mold. Water and anything left to rot produces mold. Stink and stench ? Right behind.
Basements are big bathtubs.
Seems like a simple fix left too long.
House should have been declared a total loss immediately without much to argue with the insurance company about. Then a back hoe and dump trucks a week after the fire.
Sure the owners dropped the ball. But that’s when the city and their process’s should have picked it up. That’s what government is for.
Out in the country? White caps is definitely not in the country lmao
Bagdala is only interested in going to Derby parties.
Lol lol and his picture his aircraft uniform.
You mean his wanna be President jacket?
Bagdala and Morrissey (fake college degree) only care about taking pictures and posting them on the city website. The one you can’t comment on.
If this was next door to Mr Bogdala house. The big ego Mrs Bagdala would make sure he gets cleaned up immediately. Lol
Alderperson Art DeBaere have another one. Don’t worry about the neighbors. Do nothing Art.
This is a mess. You’d think the homeowners policy would cover cleanup. I think the city could move to have it declared a public nuisance and take the bull by the horn but that’s a last resort. The city has some experience with catastrophe cleanup.
Awful for the neighbors. The smell of all that water in the basement for 4 months. I guess the mayor was busy and some elaborate event.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FyRRvwMeB/?mibextid=xfxF2i
Didn’t the family get a ton in go fund me? Should have more then enough for cleanup fee
If they had an alderman, such as Rollin P, this would have been taken care of already. People complain, but this is a prime example of the need for good people in government.