Wednesday, May 28, 2008

ABANDONED PROPERTY TO BE DEMOLISHED

In recent years I have received many complaints about a property at 24 Joyce Road. It’s a big eyesore –a property owner started building a home but never completed the work. The abandoned property has been boarded up, impacting the quality of life for neighbors. It’s been frustrating . We’ve issued violations and summons over the years. The owner of the property requested that the town provide him with extensions so he could complete the work. We granted an extension a few years ago – but construction was never completed.

Today the case was scheduled for trial. This is what happened, according to the town atty:

The above captioned case was scheduled for trial today (5/28/08) and the defendants retained counsel to negotiate a plea. Both property owners pled guilty to violating several NYS Property Maintenance Codes. They agreed to demolish the structure that is presently at 24 Joyce Road after obtaining a demolition permit as well as any other necessary permits. They contend that they lacked the finances to complete the building so they opted to demolition it. They agreed to grade the property and plant grass seeds once the building is demolished. Judge Friedman granted them until September 1, 2008, to complete this work. The defendants were ordered to apply for the demolition permit within the next week and fully cooperate with town officials in completing the work. The defendants received a total fine of $7,500. The remaining summonses will not be disposed of until September 3, 2008 so as to assure compliance with this stipulation.

Over the years I have suggested that the town adopt an abandoned property law to enable the town to take quicker action to address these eyesores. Neighbors of 24 Joyce Road have been living next door to an eyesore for a number of years. Other people should not be placed in a similar situation.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Where is Joyce Road?

Also, can the same action be taken for the old European Health Spa on Central Park Avenue?

Anonymous said...

And clean up any environmental/chemical issues of EHS.

Anonymous said...

What about a home that is taking six to seven years for completion where the front yard is a dump. Does the town see this also as a violation?

Anonymous said...

Only if one of Paul's friends wants to develope the property.

Anonymous said...

paul - you have your team.
what is stopping you?

pass the law.

and just let the voters see that juettner opposes it.... oops every vote has been unanimous.

pass the law. there are no excuses.

Anonymous said...

Why is it that some property owners get away with murder
One home in particular has been in the makeing for upteen years and still not finished.
The back yard is as clean as a picture going way up a hill[steep slope]but the front yard is a total mess.
After all these years this condition should not be allowed.
Do we have inspectors that ride through roads to see what is going on or do they rely on formal complaints.

Anonymous said...

I know the house that you are referring to.
I've pass this dump site going to the Sprain for several years.

It's a wonder that the town has not been on top of this construction as they do with other sites.

Anonymous said...

the town has been busy - banning the circus!

Anonymous said...

Why are they banning the circus.

This is what happens when the town listens to all these stupid brainless people who forgot how many times their parents took them to a circus.

Anonymous said...

The town banned animal cruelty circuses many years ago, not recently.

Anonymous said...

May I ask where is cruelety shown on circus animals.

These animals are treated better than humans.

Anonymous said...

If I donate my home to a religious organization will they be tax exempt.

I would love to see them get the property without paying any taxes to the town.

Anonymous said...

If I donate my home to a religious organization will they be tax exempt.

I would love to see them get the property without paying any taxes to the town.

Anonymous said...

Religious organizations are tax exempt, not because of the town but because of the federal gov. If you're not happy with this law, speak to Nita Lowey.

Anonymous said...

Thank you that's what I wanted to hear that my home will be off the tax role if I give the property to a religious group.

Anonymous said...

Federal law, not up to the town.

Anonymous said...

I still take a short cut to the Sprain Pkwy.every morning and would you believe the house where someone complained on this blog is still a dump..
How many years does it take for the town to request or should I say demand for the owner to complete his home and front yard.
Why has this gone on for so long?
Is big brother watching or is he sleeping on some of the building that is going on.

Anonymous said...

paul - you have the three votes (actually you have all five)

what is the delay!

Anonymous said...

I keep driving arround town just to check on how construction project are proceeding.
Could someone explain where are the inspectors .
Do all of these renovations have permits,electrical and whatever else is needed.
The inspectors should be on the road all the time not just waiting for a complaint.
If this was done the town would be picking up a good penny not only for the permit but also for fines since there is no permit to do the work.
We need money this is a way to get some.

Anonymous said...

The town has permitted work to be done on homes without investigating.

Most of the home owners are doing work on Saturdays and Sundays to avoid detection of what they are doing without a permit.
Some are even brazin enough to cut down trees where there are steep slopes.

This should not be happening.I'm not saying that the town should be working on weekends but at least check these homes periodically during the week.

You know the saying when the cats are away the mice play.

Anonymous said...

What are you talking about? People painting and moving an outlet? I don't see any work getting done without a permit.

Anonymous said...

Have you checked?
ONe does not need a permit to paint or change an outlet.
I was talking about major work that does need a permit.

Anonymous said...

If you of something big going up, call the building inspector. I havent seen anything.

Anonymous said...

I was paid before to do this job in the city and I have no intention to continue this work without compensation.

Anonymous said...

Can someone tell me if there is on the Greenburgh government site a portion that pertains to the complaints that one makes to the town .
I'm sure that many complaints are made where inspectors have to make reports .

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