Carpenters house

Dear Editor: Remember the Carpenters house on Newville Avenue? It is still a beloved residence by fans all over the world. However, the state the house is in now is disappointing to fans and should be disappointing to the city.

The current owners have the place looking like a jungle with overgrown trees, bushes and uncut grass. I grew up in Downey, went to school there, lived in the Carpenter apartments for almost 30 years, and knew Karen and Richard, as well as the family. The residence was always kept neat and presentable. Not now.

For a number of years now the Newville house has looked terrible. I know there was a statute on the books that Downey homes and property had to look neat on the outside. The city even gave out beautification awards to homes that met the standard. The Carpenters got an award and my parents got an award. What has happened?

I return to Downey, where I have friends, at least three times a year and always go by the Newville house only to find it in worse shape than before. City of Downey, keep Downey beautiful.

Carolyn Arzac

Salt Lake City

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Published: Nov. 6, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 30