November 11th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Could abandoned communities be the result of the high water rates affecting Bel Air, Glen Oaks, Highland Estates, and Pinto?  Larry Smith, spokesman for the Bel Air Citizens committee, tells WCBC that there is economic injury involving more than the highest water bills in the nation…

   

“Besides the threat to the health impacts, we’re having property damage in terms of our values – the structure of our property values.”

Smith said some residents are leaving and others want to do so…

 

“I know of families who have left their homes vacant and moved elsewhere. I have had conversations with families who, because of economic desperation, want to move but are unable to sell their home.”