Out of time
For the people of Goldens Bridge — and those living on Fairmount Road in particular — the recent dispute between the town and the owners of dilapidated and dangerous cottages is of little concern. Nearby residents just want the unoccupied and asbestos-filled structures removed.
This Town Board is taking an initiative that previous boards missed over the last decade by setting deadlines for the owner of the property to demolish the three cottages. Board members have extended the deadline many times in an attempt to get the owner of privately held land to remedy the situation himself. That has failed, however, as the deadlines have come and gone.
The owner appeared to be moving forward on his own to correct the situation when he hired a contractor to do the work. But those plans have stalled, and more deadlines have been missed, causing Town Supervisor Edward Brancati to correctly claim that the latest deadline, Monday, June 19, “is really it.”
In recent weeks, the contractor and the owner have complained about how the town handled the situation, and the board fired back on Monday night in defense of its practices. That quarrel means little to those who drive past the uninhabitable houses that line the east side of the beginning of Fairmount Road. For them, it is an eyesore and a dangerous attraction for children looking to explore.
After years of town avoidance, this Town Board has done a good job in addressing the problem while also allowing the owner to fix the problem on his own — it is a private residence and the town has to tread lightly in these matters. Yet, the board members have understandably realized that the ultimatum they gave the owner has to expire. Mr. Brancati’s deadline of Monday needs to stick.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
|
