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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Port Arthur lands $55K judgment against property owner with messy lawns

The city of Port Arthur recently landed a $55,000 judgment against a property owner who refused to maintain her lawns.

As previously reported, on Oct. 17 the city filed suit against Farah Dabit, a Tennessee resident who owns several properties within the city, seeking an award of $1,000 per day that the properties were not up to code.

Court records show that Dabit failed to answer the city's allegations.

On Dec. 6 the city received a final judgment. Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, awarded Port Arthur $49,907.46 as principal and interest owed, $5,000 in attorney's fees and $485 in court costs.

The city alleged Dabit owns nine properties within Port Arthur that are violating city ordinances.

"There were weeds or grass located on the premises that are greater than 12 inches in height in violation of Section 34-81," the petition states, adding that the lack maintenance can have an adverse health impact on peoples other than the defendant.

City attorney Valecia Tizeno represents Port Arthur.

Case No. E191-214

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