Proposal would regulate unsightly properties

Monroe - A large group of agitated and vocal town residents attended the public hearing earlier this week on a proposed town law that would cover, among other things, the length of grass on a person’s lawn and where household garbage can be stored. Property Maintenance Law No. 1-4 2005 covers private property maintenance and appearance. Issues such as the length of grass or the existence of weeds within a lawn, loose shingles or the storage of unsightly vehicles or garbage containers could, if ignored, could earn a homeowner a significant fine and or jail sentence. As currently written, the law would regulate that all properties within the town are “kept clean and are properly maintained to avoid blight and are kept free of garbage, refuse and litter, vermin and disease-bearing insects, including ticks, mosquitoes and flies.” Town resident Manya Simak said that according to the new law, garbage and refuse must be stored in the back of the house, not on the side or in front. Many senior citizens, Simak noted, cannot drag garbage that far. Speaker William Bollenbach was concerned about the general tone of the law. “We have too many laws now,” Bollenbach said. “Quite a few people are concerned and upset.” Town Supervisor Sandy Leonard also expressed reservation about the scope of the draft law and stated the purpose of the hearing is to solicit comments from the public to enable refinement of the new law. She stated that much of the law is intended for egregious violations and that the town will not be routinely measuring the length of a homeowner’s grass. The Property Maintenance Law would apply only to the properties within the Town of Monroe. The villages of Monroe, Kiryas Joel and Harriman are governed by their local laws. The public hearing will remain open until the town board’s second meeting in January; written comments also are being accepted. Harriman Village Judge to retire Harriman Village Judge Philip Caiazza will retire March 31, 2006, after serving 12 years on the bench. A special election will be held on March 21 for the position. Candidates must be residents of Orange County. Public hearings in Harriman and Monroe Meanwhile, the villages of Harriman and Monroe will hold public hearings next month on a proposed property tax exemption for volunteer fire and ambulance workers. In both instances, qualified residents would receive an exemption on 10 percent of the assessed value of the primary residence with a $3,000 cap. Harriman will hold its public hearing on Jan. 10. The village of Monroe will hold its public hearing on Jan. 17.