MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Protecting neighborhoods is a key function of local government, which is why the Meridian Township Board included this in their 2015 Goals and Objectives.

"There's a reason that for 2014 we were the fourth fastest growing community in the state of Michigan. People want to live here, we want to keep it that way," said Frank Walsh, Township Manager.

During the Board meeting on Tuesday, July 21st, Walsh presented a "midway" update of these goals and objectives, where he expressed the importance of strengthening neighborhood code enforcement.

"So, it's our job as a local government to use all means and methods available to protect the home owners, because if we don't, who will?"

Walsh said they've already handled more than 670 code enforcement complaints. Many of those complaints can range anything from broken windows to sidewalk issues, and even un-mowed lawns.

"If you live in a neighborhood and you take pristine care of your property, or general care of your property, and it's your number one asset that you have as a family, and next door they're not taking care of their property, their grass is 14-inches high, it detracts away from not only your home, but your property value," said Walsh.

Meridian Township Resident Sarah Jacobson says that not mowing your lawn can take away from the community.

"You know, sometimes there's a reason for it, but if there's not a good reason, people need to mow their lawns or get a lawn service," said Jacobson.

Other common code violations include inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicles parked or stored outside any premise and unlawful noises.