Neighbors say councilman’s yard is an eyesore

Wednesday, May 6, 1998 | 1:28 a.m.

Gordon and Erna Ross filed the suit in Reno Justice Court on April 17. Their back yard faces Herndon's back yard.

The couple claims the cars, signs and personal watercraft Herndon keeps are an eyesore and a nuisance.

Homes in the neighborhood can range from $300,000 to $500,000.

"Even someone with a $150,000 home should not have to put up with this," Gordon Ross said. "It's just unsightly."

Erna Ross said she's tired of apologizing to guests for the messy view of their neighbor's yard.

"I have to explain to people, 'This is what we're overlooking and this is a councilman,"' she said.

Herndon said there's nothing illegal about the items in his yard and claims the Rosses are harassing him.

He also said the couple threatened to go to the news media with their complaint before filing their lawsuit.

"That, in my mind, is extortion," he said. "They want me to spend money to improve their view.

"The bottom line is they think it's a nuisance. And it may be in their mind," he said. "I've checked with the building people and legally it's not a nuisance."

Herndon added that he planned to consult with his own attorney on whether he has grounds to sue the Rosses for harassment or attempted extortion.

To that, Erna Ross responded, "We don't appreciate a neighbor whose property looks like a junk yard, which includes seven autos, a boat, a small tractor, the backhoe, tires, barrels ... political signs.

"This is an eyesore. This is not extortion," she said.