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Neighbors grateful after problem house raided in KCMO

Posted at 6:27 PM, Oct 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-13 19:28:32-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Neighbors said the house at 9028 Oak Street has been an eyesore, a constant concern and a place they actually fear.

The alleged drug house was raided by the Drug Abatement Response Team, or DART, Wednesday night. DART boarded up the property and posted signs that say it's uninhabitable. 

Several neighbors said that since the current residents moved in, they've felt unsafe because of the activity at the property. 

"Been pretty busy at that house," said Stacy Hargis who lives a few doors down. 

"You know there was always just a lot of people, there was always a lot of different cars and motorcycles and it was just a constantly changing group of people," said Sam Miceli who used to live in the neighborhood. 

After more than a decade of living in the neighborhood, Miceli was so fed up with the problem house and what it had done to the area that he decided to move. 

"I got tired of it. My kids were asking me for a long time to get out of here so I finally did," said Miceli. 

DART said there were drugs found inside the home but would not specify exactly what or how much. The code inspector said the house also has several violations including an unsafe electrical system, unapproved storage, no running water and is generally unsanitary. 

Which is why they've posted signs that it is uninhabitable. 

The people who live there will only be allowed back inside for their belonging if they file a petition. 

According to neighbors, this is not the first time police have been to the house. 

"There have been numerous times where the police have come in and go through the house," said Hargis. 

Hargis said the constant coming and going of people at the house made her restless. 

"Many times I’d wake up in the middle of the night, check the cars, check the yard… make sure everything was okay," said Hargis. 

Now that the home that has caused her stress is empty Hargis said she feels more comfortable in her own home.

"I think maybe I’ll sleep a little better," said Hargis.

DART said the house can sit vacant for up to 3 years. Neighbors say that's not ideal, but it's better than what was happening there before.