Residents press Woonsocket to enforce plaza dumpster ordinance; building inspector seeks ordinance text

Dozens of residents told the Woonsocket City Council on Jan. 12 that persistent trash and unsecured dumpsters behind the Park Avenue plaza are creating safety and sanitary problems for nearby neighborhoods.

"We're tired of the mess created by the dollar store on Park Ave," said Mark Desonios, who presented signed complaints from Monty Ave, Fonier Ave, Lafleme Ave and nearby streets. Desonios said boxes are often stacked outside the dumpster area and that people dump oil and other waste behind the stores. He identified property owner Key Point Partners (Connecticut) and said Jessica Phillips, the owner's representative, had begun sending certified letters and engaging AutoZone and other tenants to address the problem.

Ted Isabella, city building inspector, told the council his office responds promptly to complaints but that he cannot issue a violation without being able to cite the controlling ordinance. Isabella said he had not received a copy of the recently passed enclosed-dumpster ordinance and asked the mayor and clerk to provide it so his staff can enforce the code. He also noted that installing a required enclosure may trigger building-permit and inspection requirements.

Mayor's staff and council members said the administration has visited the site, spoken with store managers and would press property owners to comply. The council did not adopt additional enforcement measures at the meeting; Isabella said he would act once his office is given the ordinance language and the necessary documentation to pursue compliance.