Fines for junk on your lawn?

Monroe — A proposed property maintenance law raised public anger when previously introduced in December 2005.The laws’ requirements at that time included the potential for a significant fine and/or jail time if a homeowner’s property presented an unsightly appearance. Issues such as storage of broken-down vehicles, unkempt lawns or the existence of refuse and litter on the property were considered a violation.Public input has encouraged the board to resubmit a revised version of the law for public review. Councilman Don Weeks stated at this week’s board meeting that “we got the message, a lot of changes are in the new law.” Supervisor Sandy Leonard said the new draft has been reduced to four to five pages and copies are available on the town’s Web site, www.monroewoodbury.com and in the Town Clerk’s office. A public hearing will be held at the second Town Board Meeting in April.