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Council extends temporary trailer permit to Nov. 15 after debate over zoning role
Summary
After heated debate about whether the police chief should grant zoning-related temporary trailer permits, Jamestown extended a homeowner's temporary RV permit to Nov. 15 and directed staff to consider repeal or amendment of ordinance section 34-42.
Jamestown’s council voted to extend a temporary trailer (RV) permit through Nov. 15 for an applicant who said the motorhome served as temporary housing during home construction, while several council members pushed to revisit the ordinance that allows the police chief to issue such permits.
The applicant, Bennett Cinquecrana of 50 Prospect Avenue, told the council the motorhome protected a building site after break-ins and that neighbors had not filed written objections: “We own the property. We pay taxes,” he said, asking the council to consider his hardship. Council members raised procedural concerns, saying the process had created confusion between police and building officials.
One council member quoted the code’s language: “the police department is authorized and directed to issue a temporary trailer parking permit,” and argued that the arrangement inserts the police chief into a zoning event. Members agreed to grant the short extension but also instructed staff to put a repeal or amendment of section 34-42 on the next meeting agenda so the council can address the policy and notification process.
The motion carried with multiple 'Aye' votes and one 'No' recorded on the floor. Council members said they wanted any future ordinance change to include a public hearing and time for abutters to respond.
