For the past 20 years, I have lived in Cotati across the street from a 10 acre parcel. On the property, at one time, was one of the first houses ever built in my small City along with a stone outbuilding. Historians tell us it was quite the party house, especially during prohibition.
The property was sold to a developer in 2002, who promptly went through the motions of having a subdivision approved by the City. During this process, thick brush and diseased trees were removed which exposed the long hidden buildings to the public.
The removal of the trees and brush created what is referred to as an "attractive nuisance". Gawkers on foot and in cars would stop and stare at the buildings as if they had never seen one before. This was big news in this small City, with a line of cars to prove it.
Then came the fires. The main house was burned down first. The exact cause was not known but it was suspicious. Then the roof and timbers of the stone building caught fire, this was arson. Next was a barn, a fire that was started with road flares.
Right now there are alarms and no trespassing signs all over the property. Respecting those signs, I recently asked the developer for permission to trespass and whack down some of his Acacia trees before they bloom.
His response? That would be great. If I had any houses left, I'd ask you to paint them.
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