Richford code officer urges IDA to press owner to remove vehicles from county railroad right-of-way

Bill Stone, identified as the code officer for the Town of Richford, told the Tioga County Industrial Development Agency at its June meeting that a resident is storing trailers, unregistered vehicles and a camper on county-owned railroad right-of-way near Mill Street and Railroad Avenue and asked the board to help secure removal.

"He has multiple vehicles that are unregistered, tractors, trailers, trucks," Stone said, describing what he said was the equivalent of about a third of an acre of encroachment. He said some neighbors are elderly and have complained and that the materials have been accumulating for years.

Board members and staff discussed options for a response, with members agreeing the appropriate first step is a written notice. One board member said starting with a letter communicating the IDA’s position is necessary even if compliance is uncertain; another noted enforcement options are limited when the land is owned by a government entity.

Stone said he had mailed or texted photos to staff and provided contact information so county staff could follow up. "I'll give you a shout," he told board members, and staff agreed to coordinate next steps and exchange the photographs he brought.

The discussion did not produce a formal motion; members directed staff to begin communications and to bring the issue back if further action is needed.