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Mamakating aims to encourage compliance

By Samantha Montagna
Posted 8/13/21

MAMAKATING – During the August 3 Mamakating Town Board Meeting, the board discussed an incomplete construction project. An application for the approval of a construction trailer has …

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Mamakating aims to encourage compliance

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MAMAKATING – During the August 3 Mamakating Town Board Meeting, the board discussed an incomplete construction project. An application for the approval of a construction trailer has brought the board’s attention to a home construction that has been incomplete for years.

The home at 58 Greenwood Road in Wurtsboro Hills was deemed unsafe and was sold to a couple who live in New York City, who aimed to renovate the home.

Mary Grass, Mamakating’s Building Inspector, explained that the home was declared unsafe in 2018, and the demolition permit was granted in 2018 with a building permit following after to demolish the home and rebuild it. The problem is that the building permit expires on October 25, 2021, and Councilman John Lacey doubts that construction will be complete in time.

Lacey stated that he lives in the neighborhood, and he has not seen anyone spend anytime at this property in a long time. In addition, Grass stated that around November 2020, an RV appeared on the property.
Mamakating’s codes “don’t allow accessory structures [such as RVs] without existing structures,” so the owners are in violation. To avoid the violation, someone advised the owners to apply for a work trailer, so the RV would no longer be a violation, Grass said.

As a result, however, the application for the trailer must be approved by the town board. Grass stated that she did not know what the owners’ intentions are since they have had very little contact with her since the project began.

Grass said she reiterated to the couple that Mamakating does not like to have incomplete construction projects, and that Mamakating encourages construction to be completed in a timely manner.
Lacey asked if the couple has approached Grass to inspect what they have done so far. Grass replied that they have not, and in addition, they have gone against their current plans because the only safe portion of the house was supposed to remain, but it was also demolished. Grass said they must submit new plans.
Town Supervisor, Janet Lybolt, held the vote to approve the trailer but stated that as a result, a bathroom is required to be on site.

The owners will have to have a working bathroom either in the RV or bring in a portable bathroom. In addition, the owners will have to submit an affidavit stating their intentions for the trailer and the construction for the application to be approved.

If the permit expires, it is the responsibility of the owners to apply to extend the permit, Lybolt said. If the permit is extended, the trailer will be allowed on the property until December 7. The board approved the trailer if these conditions are met.

Grass said that she hopes this will encourage the owners to comply with the building department and the town’s procedures.

Noise Complaints
Lybolt also announced that residents should not be afraid to speak up if a neighbor is being too loud. She said she received a complaint about noise recently that she dealt with personally, but residents should call the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff and the police can deal with noise issues because they have a decibel reader. Residents can call 794-7100 to report a noise complaint.

Lybolt said the town had a bad noise complaint in the past year in which the police had to be called twice to stop the loud music. She pointed out that something can be done about it even if the police must be called multiple times, so people should still call to report an issue.

Grass came to the podium to tell the board that when the Building Department does receive a noise complaint, the department contacts the Sheriff and sends the property owner a copy of the noise ordinance. Grass also stated that there are many new people to the area that may not know the rules of the town. Because of this, she said make sure that the copy of the ordinance is sent out, so new residents are made aware.

In addition to these compliance issues, Highway Superintendent, Rob Hufcut, addressed people who speed, drive trucks on roads not designated for them, and throw garbage on the ground in his report and after the meeting. More details will be featured in another article on this issue.

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