After months of work to obtain permission to assess and repair an abandoned village home, East Williston has authorized a work order to clean up overgrown landscaping on the property. The contract marks the second action taken by the board to improve conditions at the unsightly house.
The homeowners, who abandoned the 26 Orchard Meadow Road house about five years ago, did not respond to multiple village requests to repair “concerning” conditions after it sank into disrepair. So, the village obtained legal permission to conduct the necessary inspections and repairs itself and bill the homeowners, which it has done for extermination services and now landscaping work.
The $2,500 landscaping contract approved at Monday’s board meeting will involve mowing the overgrown lawn and trimming away bushes and trees from the village’s right of way. Mayor Bonnie Parente said the village would continue upkeep for the home and would bill the homeowner for the costs as they are incurred.
Residents raised concerns about the home’s state at earlier meetings this year, saying it was aesthetically displeasing and expressing worries about potential health hazards, including pest infestations, which have now been resolved, as well as fears of mold in the walls, which the village has since found to be unfounded.
The village acted on those concerns, with Parente quickly authorizing emergency inspections and pest extermination actions over the summer. After this landscaping work is completed, Parente said the village’s building inspector believes the house will not present any additional health or safety hazards.
The board also announced that the village’s new digital sign, which is meant to promote the fire department, has been moved to stand in front of village hall.
It was initially placed at the corner of Sagamore Avenue and East Williston Avenue, near the train tracks, in May, where it received pushback from residents who were concerned that the modern nature did not match the traditional nature of the village and that the flashing sign might distract drivers, among other things.
The next board of trustees meeting is set for Dec. 8 at village hall. A public hearing will be held to clarify the language regarding the legality of garage sales and fencing in the village code.
