MONTICELLO — Since 2003, the Apollo Mall has sat vacant, collecting graffiti and amassing large amounts of vandalism and natural decay, such as collapsed ceilings. During a recent Village of Monticello Board meeting, Trustee John Barbarite said he seriously wants it gone.

“I think everyone has complained about what [Apollo Plaza] looks like,” reasoned Barbarite. “It’s a complete violation of our existing Building Code and Zoning Ordinance. I think it’s time now to enforce the regulations and have that site cleaned up.”

He recalled the former mall’s longstanding vacancy for roughly 15 years, citing how many years of abandonment have left it in an unrecoverable state. Barbarite described the site as a “nuisance” that doesn’t serve anyone well while setting a poor example and image for the village.

Village Attorney Michael Sussman explained that enforcement of major violations like this requires coordination with the District Attorney’s office, especially when pursuing legal action beyond fines or monetary penalties. 

He encouraged the board to meet with District Attorney Brian Conaty to discuss next steps and ensure the office is responsive to the village’s concerns, noting that voluntary compliance from the owner is preferable but not guaranteed.

“If you’re concerned about this particular project or site, I strongly suggest that several of you convene that meeting. And if that office is going to be a prosecutorial arm, it needs to be responsive to your concerns, especially about a major project,” said Sussman.

Trustee Theodore Hutchins proposed to set up a meeting with Conaty’s office, drawing Sussman and Barbarite’s encouragement and confirmation towards the matter.

Board discusses light pollution

Also at the meeting, Barbarite noted of several complaints by residents that bright lights from neighboring properties are flooding into homes and backyards, creating safety and nuisance concerns.

“Some lights are so bright that the whole backyard is lit up,” exampled Barbarite. “[There’s been many complaints that] the Building Department requested we consider a Local Law eliminating light pollution by requiring modification of some lights that people have.”

Hutchins responded back and urged caution and research when discussing on limiting lighting.

“Having those bright lights deter people from wanting to come and jump into somebody’s window,” stated Hutchins. “I think it’s important that people are allowed to put lights around their house to deter folks from running around these houses.”

Barbarite reminded that his request isn’t that people not have lighting, but to not have excessive lighting that shines off one’s property into their neighbor’s eyes.

Sussman cited the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson which has a model law dealing with such a matter, which Sussman remembers because of his experience with a case in the issue.

Sussman suggested he get his hands on that Local Law and that he see whether Monticello use parts of it to deal with the issue.

Hutchins reaffirmed that he didn’t disagree with Barbarite, but stressed that he didn’t want the Building Department going around ticketing residents because their light is too bright.

“Maybe if Michael can get that information, we can probably have a public hearing at our second meeting,” suggested Hutchins.