Monticello too broke to pursue scofflaws?

By TOM RUE

MONTICELLO - Despite numerous warnings to the owners of seven properties in Monticello to repair their unsafe buildings or risk condemnation and demolition, Monticello officials admitted on April 7 that the village doesn't have the money to follow through with its threats.

Building inspector James Artale reported extensive efforts his office has devoted to urging owners of ramshackle properties to eliminate safety threats caused by their structures. Only one property owner out of eight complied, Artale said. The rest, he said, totally ignored the village's orders to remedy.

Finally, after a final public hearing on the subject, board members voted to do something. After voting, deputy mayor Gary Sommers pointed out that the measure meant little since the village does not have the $20,000 to $30,000 needed for the demolitions.

"I just want the public to know that we don't have the money to tear an buildings down," Sommers said.

Thirty to fifty per-cent of the estimated cost would go to tipping fees at the Sullivan County Landfill, said manager George Panchyshyn. The board did not put the project out to bid. "We don't have the money to do it," Panchyshyn said.

The properties are at 38 Cottage St., 61 Pleasant St., 44 Liberty St., 9 Roosevelt Pl., 38 High St., 12 1/2 Starr Ave., and 41 Cottage St.

In 1994, the Peter Rhulen Foundation offered interest-free loans to the Monticello for demolition of several unsafe buildings, but officials refused.

Panchyshyn noted that Sullivan First will conduct a volunteer cleanup of Broadway on the weekend of April 26-27. The village's spring cleanup will follow, April 28 to May 2, with a dumpster site on Sturgis Rd. Permits are available from the highway department, he said. Copies of the regulations are available at village hall.

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