Lake Mead property owners forced out until shutdown ends

KNTV ^ | 10/5/13 | Jacqui Heinrich

[Lacey]

The government shutdown is being felt close to home for some locals. They say they're being forced out of private homes on Lake Mead because they sit on federal land.

Joyce Spencer is 77-years-old and her husband Ralph is 80. They've been spending most of their time in the family ice cream store since going home isn't an option.

The Spencers never expected to be forced out of their Lake Mead home, which they've owned since the 70s, but on Thursday, a park ranger said they had 24 hours to get out.

"I had to go to town today and buy Ralph undershirts and jeans because I forgot his pants," Joyce Spencer told Action News.

The Stewart's Point home sits on federal land, so even though the Spencers own their cabin outright, they're not allowed in until the government reopens.

Park officials said property owners can visit only to retrieve belongings; they sent Action News a statement which reads in part, "Unfortunately overnight stays are not permitted until a budget is passed and the park can reopen." Joyce Spencer said she's alright in the meantime, staying with nearby family, but the move was a lot to handle as a senior citizen.

"I had to be sure and get his walker and his scooter that he has to go in," Spencer said. "We're not hurt in any way except it might cost me if I have to go buy more pants."

The Lake Mead properties are considered vacation homes; one of the lease requirements to own a plot is people must have an alternative residence.

Regardless, the Spencers said it's their property and they should be allowed in, shutdown or not.

[eartick]

“It is unlikely this tyranny can be overthrown at the ballot box”

---

I could not agree with you more on this point. These children need to be tought a lesson the old fashion way with a good ol fashion ass kickin’.

Voting will not fix anything.

[Foolsgold]

[Paine in the Neck]

Jonathan Jarvis is the Director of the National Park Service. He is the one issuing wriiten directives to the park rangers to block access.

[HiTech RedNeck]

He’s doubtless been told that the web blogs (actually a small handful of very busy trolls) will dutifully blame this on Republicans, so why not make it as big a stink as possible. And so he does.

[3catsanadog]

Can’t get a border fence built to keep the illegals out, can’t deport the lot of them, but the Feds can sure evict homeowners and set up barriers at national parks lickety-split against the citizens of the United States of America.

[3catsanadog]

!!!!!!!

[1010RD]

This is great news. Why does the Federal Government own any land? Devolve it to the states or sell it off to pay down the debt.

[1010RD]

Notice that the bullies go after a octogenarian and his wife. They're cowards, just like every bully.

[Bronzy]

I will read that for future reference. My property is an owner occupied rental property. After a wind damage event and repairs were made, my taxes increased by over $400/yr because of renovations.

[smokingfrog]

I didn’t read all of it, but it sounds like you can get a decent tax break if you’re spending a fair amount of money to fix up a 50+ year old house.

[Bronzy]

I will print and read it. The house is late 1800's. I was really frosted after the renovation from a tree destroying the front of the house and yard. Then the tax man came. Just the process of getting the work done required fees to the city for permits and to the historical society for a certificate of appropriateness to do the repair and a meeting with the society. It was a nightmare.

[JulieRNR21]

She could say what she said before:
“What difference does it make?”

Unfortunately, So far....she’s gotten a pass on Benghazi!

[Bob Ireland]

***Jonathan Jarvis is the Director of the National Park Service***

Thanks! That explains the uniform. IR