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Post-Standard, The (Syracuse, NY)

August 16, 2001
Section: Neighbors West
Edition: Final
Page: 7

People wishing to complain about the appearance of properties in Spafford now must submit signed, written statements.

The town board last week voted 3-0 the only verbal complaints that will be accepted are those about life-threatening code violations. Town councilors Ron Bourque and Fred Chappell were absent from the Aug. 9 board meeting. The new law came in response to a flurry of complaints, mostly from one person, about the condition of area properties, Supervisor Gordon Ireland said.

Doug Staley, the town's building inspector, advised the board before the vote that the ordinance is illegal - that he's required by law to accept oral and written complaints about properties.

"Let (the complainant) challenge it as far as I'm concerned," Ireland said.

Ireland suggested the law after the board discussed three properties that have been the subject of complaints. The town has asked the owners to demolish two dilapidated barns and to fence a swimming pool, but has not ticketed the owners, Ireland said.

"I think you've got to be a little caring about the people who've lived in the community for years and years," he said.

Ireland agreed there are a number of houses and barns in Spafford that are in rough shape, but said he doesn't see why owners should be cited unless the violations are dangerous.

"I can't see where the old barn that's already (fallen) down can be a problem," he said." Some people just don't have the money to do these things," he said, predicting that if codes are strictly enforced, people would be forced off land they've owned for generations.

There is also a difference of opinion between some newer residents and some long-established families about what constitutes an "eyesore," he said.

"There's nothing wrong with patches on your clothes, as long as they're clean," he said.

In other business:

Efforts to beautify the Four Corners area, at the crossroads of Routes 41 and 174, are bearing fruit.

The gazebo in Borodino Community Park is almost complete, and $1,275 has been raised toward erecting a veterans' memorial at the intersection.

The Veterans' Memorial Committee is still seeking donations for that project, expected to cost about $30,000, Ireland said.

A few hundred dollars may be set aside each year to straighten headstones in the town's two cemeteries, Ireland said.

"If we do a few each year, we can make it look a lot better," he said.

Copyright (c) 2001 The Herald Company