MASON CITY – Phillip Flinchum says he is working at a feverish pace to reach a 30 day deadline set by the Mason City council to have his property cleaned up or face eviction and demolition.
“This is so much harder than war,” Mr. Flinchum told NIT Friday afternoon. He said he was told that the city council is set to move against him once and for all on Tuesday night. About a month ago, the city narrowly awarded him a 30 day extension to have his property cleaned up or face severe consequences.
Standing outside his house, sweat dripping from his brow, dirt under his fingernails, one could sense what Flinchum is up against.
“The whole town has turned against me now. They’ve demonized me. I think they are trying to make an example of me,” he said.
Flinchum says he is an Iraq war vet, from the 1991 conflict, serving in the army.
“I saw a lot in the war,” Flinchum said, “and went through a lot. But nothing like this. Ever since the council said they were taking my house, and thanks to the newspaper, there has been non-stop people driving by, staring and gawking at me. Some people slow down and call me terrible names.”
At least two dozen cars drove by Flinchum’s house at 32 6th Street NW as he spoke Friday afternoon, in just a 20-30 minute span. Some drivers snapped pictures; nearly all rubber-necked to get a peak at Flinchum’s yard, still packed with stuff.
“I don’t know how I’ve made it this far, and we’re still going,” he said.
Friday, Flinchum and another young man were outside painting doors and windows, loading and packing boxes. Some appeared to be freshly painted. He had moved a couple of vehicles out of his yard. He also claimed that a semi-trailer in his yard is being packed and will be off his property by Sunday evening. A large trailer was nearly full of trash and debris.
“I want to be a good neighbor. I always wanted to help others, not be a burden. I need help,” Flinchum said.
To show he is serious about getting the job done and moving out, Flinchum has signed a local realtor, Ryan Burt of Schoneman Realtors, to sell the house. It is listed for $15,000. The listing states: “Home is sold as is. Needs complete remodel/restoration. Investors this would be a great winter project for your crew!” Burt can be reached at 641-430-5488.
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
-Abraham Lincoln
“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”
-Benjamin Franklin
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”
-George Santayana
…this guy is working at such a “feverish” pace…that his clothes have come off…great “honks”…!
Anthony Hopkins in his most revered role as a man desperately fighting to save his “stuff”.
So this guy can get away with parking a semi trailer in his yard for over 90 days on the grass but I cant park my camper in my yard without having an “approved surface” Yep and the citys picking on him???
This man does not live there !!!!! He has used the house and cars and garage as a STORAGE UNIT for the past 20 years. He had plenty of opportunities to do something about it since April and didnt until his time was up.
Where is the red cross or better yet WHERE are the people from community kitchen that he has volunteered his time to for many years? Its easy for you all to except his volunteering but when he needs a little help back you all turn your back on him! Shame on you all! There is MANY houses in this town in worse shape than this.
I watched the city council meeting on this an Phil was asked how much time do you need? Phil set the thirty days not the council. Shame on Phil an this paper for trying to portray what is not!!!
I cant believe how the city leaders are treating this situation. This guy has served his country, not to mention has volunteered for you people of this town and “You People” cant pay it forward??
The leaders of this town make me sick!
It’s a shame Mr. Flinchum allowed his property to become what it has. I have sympathy for him, but what about his neighbors, don’t they deserve some sympathy too?
As far as other houses in the surrounding neighborhoods (or any place in town)that are in similar conditions, then shame on Mason City for allowing them to be in that condition. While it is the property owners responsibility to maintain them, it is a city responsibility to enforce the law equally, to all.
It sure seems like the council could cut him a little slack as long as he is trying and working on getting it cleaned up. If it was one of their friends they would give them tax payer money to help.
Feel bad for this gentleman and the situation he is in.
No way the council is going to give him more time.