By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative, The Irish Loop
A Main Street property owner has received one last chance to deal with a dilapidated property and vehicle before Petty Harbour council takes action at the owner’s expense.
The town had sent a repair and/or removal order to the owner of 29 Main Road, but that notice expired on June 6, and so the matter was brought to council chambers on June 15 .
Deputy Mayor Irene Stack confirmed with CAO Mandy Dinn that the letter was received by the owner.
“They were received through an email confirmation,” Dinn replied. “The Canada Post ones weren’t picked up, and that’s not uncommon.”
Council had a few options for next steps, which included confirming the state of the building’s disrepair through an engineering report and proceeding with removal if deemed necessary. Dinn told council that she received some cost estimates for an engineering report and the cheapest quote was $1,000.
Councilors asked whether it would be appropriate to send a second notice before taking the next step. Mayor Ed Dyke advised council that the town went through this same scenario a few years back with the same individual, saying that it was two to three years before action was taken.
“From past experience with this property owner, it has been dragged out, dragged out and dragged out,” Dyke told council.
In that instance, the Town had a lawyer send a removal order, which was acted upon.
Stack made a motion that the town lawyer draft and send a removal order with a 14-day window.
“Including in that order, the Town will be proceeding with the (engineering) report and removal at the owner’s expense,” stated Stack, adding that the vehicle would also be included in that order.
Dinn stated that any expenses incurred would be added to the person’s tax account.
The motion was approved.
