By John Kiesewetter
The Cincinnati Enquirer

WEST CHESTER TWP. - A postcard threatening residents with a $225 fine if they don't fix up their property is a hoax, township officials said.

A Cincinnati-Dayton Road resident received an official-looking postcard this week from the "West Chester Appearance Board" warning that "shrubs need trimmed."

"It's a fake postcard. There is no such organization," said Brian Elliff, township planning and zoning director.

According to the mailing, a second warning would be published in a newspaper if repairs were not made in 15 days. After that, the homeowner would be issued a $225 citation.

"Our concern is that somebody would eventually get a bill and be asked to pay it," said David Gully, township administrator. Police have been asked to investigate the postcard, which had a nonexistent return address.

The hoax was directed at an elderly woman living near Cincinnati-Dayton Road and Interstate 75, Elliff said. She also received a follow-up anonymous phone call about her bushes, Elliff said.

"There was some effort made to make this (postcard). But with a computer, it could be done," Elliff said.

The postcard said the board "was created to monitor and enforce community appearance." It had blank lines for the house, lawn, landscaping and driveway to be rated poor, fair, good or excellent.

Elliff said that any resident receiving a notice from the "West Chester Appearance Board" should contact his office, 777-4214.

"It will be interesting to see if one particular house is the target, or if others have received them," he said.

E-mail jkiesewetter@enquirer.com