Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Code Enforcement Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Depew resident urges action over alleged leaks, lights and unpaved impound yard
Summary
Paul Kempske told the Depew board that a nearby impound yard tied to No Limit Towing/Broadway Collision is leaving wrecked cars on dirt, spilling antifreeze and oil that reach the street, and shining bright lights into nearby homes; he asked for enforcement and a meeting with the village attorney and building inspector.
At the Village of Depew Board of Trustees meeting on Feb. 23, resident Paul Kempske of 39 Humboldt spoke during public comment about ongoing problems he says originate at an impound yard and towing operation near his home.
Kempske said wrecked cars had been dropped "right at the street" and that fluids were escaping onto the ground and into the roadway. "They brought in a wrecked car and dropped it right at the street. Water leaking out of it, antifreeze leaking out of it, oil leaking out of it," Kempske said. He told trustees that the impound yard surface is dirt, that required water and oil separators are not in place, and that the lot has not been paved as required for containing those fluids.
Kempske also raised a nuisance-lighting issue, saying bright lights installed on the back of a building and on a pole now shine into his living room after a nearby pole was moved. He said he has contacted the building inspector and the utility but believes more formal enforcement and a meeting with the village attorney are needed.
Board members and staff acknowledged the complaint during the meeting and asked for follow-up. The board directed building staff and the village attorney to meet with Kempske and involved parties to determine what enforcement steps or permit adjustments are necessary to address drainage, paving and lighting concerns. The building department confirmed it has issued violation letters in the past and said the operator has been given time to remediate; Kempske said he continues to see leaking vehicles and wants the village to take stronger action to protect his property.
The transcript records Kempske asking for an environmental review if excavation is required and warning that contamination could be found under the current dirt surface. The board did not announce a specific enforcement action on the record at the meeting; members said they would convene relevant staff and legal counsel to pursue a remedy.
The matter is listed for follow-up between the building department, village attorney and the resident; no formal new permit decisions were made at this meeting.
