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Questions Role of Building Code Department
Dear Editor:
I question the role of Tom Monroe of the Building Code Department because his office has done little or nothing to cease the Light Trespass nuisance my family has been subject to since December of 2007. According to Town Code, Light Trespass is a violation, and the ordinance is designed to preserve the quality of life in Philipstown.
In December, Raju Singh, the owner of the Garrison Post Office Property, installed powerful lights on the southern and western side of the building that are blindingly bright, spilling onto the adjoining roads and houses. These intrude through our windows all night long, spoiling nighttime tranquility. Also, the lights illuminate the front of the house and garage as well as the woods adjacent to our property. Finally, upon looking outside, one gets an eyeful of glaring electricity.
I complained in December, and was told by Monroe that the owner would receive a summons and would be fined $100 per day until the lights were changed. Later, I was told that he had not been summoned to court at all, but would change the lights voluntarily. Instead, he installed yet another bright light facing my property.
Now months later, after numerous calls to Monroe, I have been told that Singh had been summoned to court for the April 21st session, but could not make the date. Now he is slotted for the May 1st session. Meanwhile, Monroe hung up on me on Monday, April 28th when I finally lost my temper.
All of this begs the following questions: why has this particular property owner been allowed to install such lights in the first place? Why was he allowed to installed yet another light after receiving a warning? Why has he not appeared in court?
The most important questions are the following: why is Town Code Enforcer Tom Monroe not doing the job he is being paid to do? And how can be forced to do so? Meanwhile, are there other instances of what seems to be rank incompetence?
Goldee Greene
Garrison
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