Residents press Fenton board on property-maintenance enforcement, backlog and alleged dumping

Residents at the Town of Fenton meeting on May 6 told the board they are frustrated by property-maintenance issues and a slow enforcement process, and they flagged what one resident said looks like unauthorized dumping on town-owned land.

Judy Cummings, who attended the previous meeting, asked for updates on six properties on Crocker Hill Road. Supervisor David Gunster said "violations have been sent out and the Property Owners have 30 days to correct the violations listed." He added the Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer are out in the field daily and that those positions require specialized training. Gunster also said the town sees more violations each year, noting "23 notices issued last month alone."

Councilman Michael Husar cautioned that hiring additional staff to issue violations would not eliminate delays because the court process can be lengthy; he said many cited parties fail to appear and civil actions are costly, and fines sometimes go unpaid. Town Attorney Richard H. Miller told the board property-maintenance cases are heard only once a month in the town court and that court backlogs are widespread.

Separately, resident Ed Hogg said a 24-acre parcel the town purchased decades ago, intended for open space, "is being treated like a landfill" with leaves, plaster, pallets, stone and large logs reportedly brought to the property; he asked the town to post "Private Property" signs. Councilman Thomas Cook said he would review the matter with Highway Superintendent Randy Ritter.

The board did not announce immediate new enforcement funding or staffing changes. Officials described the town's current approach—issuing notices and pursuing court action when necessary—and said follow-up on the alleged dumping will occur by staff review.