Residents press council on property enforcement and out‑of‑state redemptions during Citizens Forum

Several residents used the Citizens Forum to press the council on neighborhood code enforcement and the operation of bottle redemption centers.

Patrick Sullivan of 22 White Street described repeated complaints about neighboring properties — including tall grass, trash, animal problems and discarded furniture — and said the town had not enforced zoning and property-maintenance rules despite his filing complaints. "When residents follow the rules and file complaints in good faith only to see no action taken, it sends a message that these issues simply don't matter," Sullivan said. He told the council the conditions pose public-health and safety concerns and asked for consistent enforcement.

Tom Cancero, a resident of Court Towers, said both elevators in his building have been out of service and described seeing a police incident earlier that evening; he offered no formal complaint beyond reporting the events. Another resident, identified as Gennaro, urged action on redemption centers, saying people from out of state bring bottles and redeem them in Vernon at lower payout rates for local residents. He said redemption-center staff had refused service without identification or registration and accused some staff of disrespect; during his remarks he used derogatory language about center operators. Gennaro said the practice had a financial impact on local residents and asked the council to investigate.

Council members did not take formal action on the public comments during the meeting; members said citizens should submit complaints through the town's formal complaint process. The council closed Citizens Forum and proceeded to agenda business.