Friday, November 13, 2009
Illegal Dumping at Homowack Causing Headaches
This past summer's drama involving the old Homowack Lodge has had a new wrinkle added to it. Several weeks ago, a mysterious trailer loaded with demolition debris was abandoned in the main parking area across the road from the old resort. The trailer, which is essentially a dumpster on wheels, was left there after it had been filled with debris, apparently from the demolition of a building near the post office on the lower part of Phillipsport Road.
Mamakating Supervisor Robert Fiore said he was made aware of the truck's existence during a recent inspection of the facility.
"We found out about it several weeks ago," Fiore said.
Fiore went on to say that he had discussed the issue with Town Building Inspector Mary Grass, and was told by her that the owner of the truck actually had a permit to haul debris from the demolition of the building; Grass, according to Fiore, said that the parking of the truck at that location was a 'temporary measure' and that it would only be there for a few days. The owner of the truck, however, appears to have overstayed his welcome, as the trailer has now been there for at least four weeks. Additionally, the trailer's legs, which are typically extended at the time a trailer is uncoupled from its rig, have since broken through the parking lot's asphalt. The front end of the trailer now sits partially on the ground (see photo), and, as a result, will likely require a crane or other piece of heavy-lifting equipment to remove.
The trailer was first discovered when town officials, along with a representative from the NY Department of State, were surveying the facility. According to Fiore, the official told him that the state was already aware of the situation, and that the owner of the truck was already under investigation by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office. How the state official knew this remains unclear. However, the truck did at one time have Maine license plates, which were apparently confiscated by either the state police or the NY Department of Environmental Conservation. Pieces of heavy equipment also have various identification numbers on the chassis, which would allow police or other officials to trace the owner.
The presence of the trailer is also attracting other illegal dumpers, apparently, as there is now an assortment of old household items — including an old futon frame — laying on the ground nearby. Fiore used the term "attractive nuisance" to describe the trailer's presence. He said that he was worried that the condition of the old resort could attract even more illegal dumping.
"Attractive nuisances have to be removed," Fiore said.
It remains unclear at this point whether the town will initiate the trailer's removal, or whether the current owners of the Homowack — a Hasidic congregation from New Square in Rockland County —would be responsible for the removal. Earlier this year, the group had been engaged in a dispute with town and state officials over the existence of an illegal summer camp at the old resort.
http://www.shawangunkjournal.com/2009/11/12/news/0911123.html
Mamakating Supervisor Robert Fiore said he was made aware of the truck's existence during a recent inspection of the facility.
"We found out about it several weeks ago," Fiore said.
Fiore went on to say that he had discussed the issue with Town Building Inspector Mary Grass, and was told by her that the owner of the truck actually had a permit to haul debris from the demolition of the building; Grass, according to Fiore, said that the parking of the truck at that location was a 'temporary measure' and that it would only be there for a few days. The owner of the truck, however, appears to have overstayed his welcome, as the trailer has now been there for at least four weeks. Additionally, the trailer's legs, which are typically extended at the time a trailer is uncoupled from its rig, have since broken through the parking lot's asphalt. The front end of the trailer now sits partially on the ground (see photo), and, as a result, will likely require a crane or other piece of heavy-lifting equipment to remove.
The trailer was first discovered when town officials, along with a representative from the NY Department of State, were surveying the facility. According to Fiore, the official told him that the state was already aware of the situation, and that the owner of the truck was already under investigation by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office. How the state official knew this remains unclear. However, the truck did at one time have Maine license plates, which were apparently confiscated by either the state police or the NY Department of Environmental Conservation. Pieces of heavy equipment also have various identification numbers on the chassis, which would allow police or other officials to trace the owner.
The presence of the trailer is also attracting other illegal dumpers, apparently, as there is now an assortment of old household items — including an old futon frame — laying on the ground nearby. Fiore used the term "attractive nuisance" to describe the trailer's presence. He said that he was worried that the condition of the old resort could attract even more illegal dumping.
"Attractive nuisances have to be removed," Fiore said.
It remains unclear at this point whether the town will initiate the trailer's removal, or whether the current owners of the Homowack — a Hasidic congregation from New Square in Rockland County —would be responsible for the removal. Earlier this year, the group had been engaged in a dispute with town and state officials over the existence of an illegal summer camp at the old resort.
http://www.shawangunkjournal.com/2009/11/12/news/0911123.html
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