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Residents raise safety and property concerns at Town of Union meeting
Summary
During the July 10 Town Board meeting, residents reported a fire-damaged house being re-entered, prolonged high grass at a neighboring property, and a tree from Town land that damaged a yard and fence; town attorneys and officials said they would follow up.
Several residents raised safety and property complaints during the July 10 hearing of visitors.
Norma Donlin of 3610 Dean Drive told the board that the resident of 3613 Dean Drive—whose property has code violations—had a court date on July 15 and that the resident and others were arrested after a July 9 house fire. Donlin said people had returned to the property after the fire and that neighbors observed entries after dark.
Deputy Town Attorney Rosemarie Pope responded that "even if he does not appear for court, the judge can still proceed without him. We have sufficient evidence to present to the judge and hope he will grant the order for the Town to proceed, at which point, the Town will coordinate with all the other agencies to go into the house to evaluate it." Councilman Frank J. Bertoni told residents to keep calling police when they observe unauthorized activity and said Codes Department photographs will be provided to the judge.
Philip(Phillip) Knapp of 300 Hooper Road complained about a neighbor's high grass that "hasn't been cut in two years," saying Code Department violation letters produced no compliance. The complaint was referred for code enforcement follow-up.
Richard Jones of 7 Woodland Avenue said a tree on Town property fell and damaged his fence and yard; he said nearby water-line work severed the tree's roots and the tree is dying. Deputy Town Attorney Rosemarie Pope said the matter would be discussed with Commissioner of Public Works Louis V. Caforio to determine next steps.
Supervisor Robert Mack noted he had a similar experience—his neighbor's dead tree previously fell and he paid removal costs when prior notice to the neighbor was not given—offering context for the board's procedural constraints.
Board members recorded the complaints and directed appropriate staff and departments to follow up with inspections and any necessary remedial action.
