‘We don’t need any of that kind’: Central Elgin neighbours relieved as home with swastika in front yard goes up for sale

Neighbours are happy to see a Central Elgin home that had a swastika cut into the grass is now up for sale.

Warning: This story may be upsetting for some readers.

Residents of a neighbourhood just east of St. Thomas, Ont., are expressing relief that a home that drew negative attention for its alleged hate symbolism has been listed for sale.

The bungalow at 200 Centennial Ave. in Central Elgin was put on the market last month for around $650,000. It can also be leased for $3,000 per month.

The house gained notoriety last September when neighbours complained that a swastika had been mowed into its front yard for anyone to see.

According to reports, it had been visible for at least a week before being mowed over by a contractor. The couple who owns the home, Timothy Van Sickle and Julia Majkutewicz, are currently facing a number of charges, including incitement of hatred.

“It’s great to see him gone and bring peace to the neighbourhood, because we don’t need any of that kind,” exclaimed neighbour Arie Hofstee.

• RELATED STORY: Pair facing counts after swastika cut into St. Thomas area lawn

Hofstee continued, sharing some of his own background, “I know, the last part of the Second World War, I came over as an immigrant. We don’t need any of that. It’s just, I don’t know. It’s really hard to explain how I feel about it. Glad they’re gone.

“Glad that the house is up for sale.”

Meantime, neighbour Edwin Tagod said he felt threatened by the symbolism at the home.

“When you’re dealing with individuals that have a different thought process along those lines, anxiety is more along the lines for my kids, my children, and just for the neighbourhood in general. We always want good neighbours, is what we’re looking for, and hopefully that’s what we’ll continue to get,” Tagod said.

Tagod added that he hopes a family settles into the home.