'Anonymous' Has Some Questions- Anyone?
Dear Woodstocktruth,
#1
I am interested in knowing how much power the Town of Woodstock has over its residences breaking the Town's policies? Like for instance the "Woodstock's Castle" and all of the town policies that have been violated?
What will and can the Town Hall officials do over all of this besides letting the owner of the castle know that he is in violation by sending a letter? Will there be a citation of some kind , or a fine, or a shut down of power to the residence or WHAT ?? Or will the "castle" just be slapped with a paper trail?
#2
I have some further concerns about the Town Hall of Woodstock. There was an incident concerning a parent who didn't get any building permits and made living quarters above a horse barn. No place to be raising a child, or to be living up there with no heat or running water and no fire alarms. There are huge violations that have not been addressed! The building dept was notified about the living quarters and NOTHING was done about it.
What if that was your kid sleeping in a barn with no heat or running water? Or you child was peeing in a bucket during the night because it was too cold to run across the yard to use the bathroom in the house next door? NO permits were pulled for this project either.
What will and can the Town Hall officials do over all of this besides letting the owner of the castle know that he is in violation by sending a letter? Will there be a citation of some kind , or a fine, or a shut down of power to the residence or WHAT ?? Or will the "castle" just be slapped with a paper trail?
#2
I have some further concerns about the Town Hall of Woodstock. There was an incident concerning a parent who didn't get any building permits and made living quarters above a horse barn. No place to be raising a child, or to be living up there with no heat or running water and no fire alarms. There are huge violations that have not been addressed! The building dept was notified about the living quarters and NOTHING was done about it.
What if that was your kid sleeping in a barn with no heat or running water? Or you child was peeing in a bucket during the night because it was too cold to run across the yard to use the bathroom in the house next door? NO permits were pulled for this project either.
1. How does this person know "all the Woodstock policies have been violated"? I have read different comments from people about this and everyone jumps to conclusions without any facts. I guess if someone has money, they are doing something wrong....GET A LIFE OR JOB!
2. The Woodstock building Dept has a long way to go. It's impossible to reach an "inspector" after 12 Noon and they "NEVER" return phone calls. Much more accountability is needed in this dept...too much favoritism and conflicts.
Tom,
I read this differently than you did. I don't think this person meant ALL of the town policies were violated, but was referring to more than one (and possibly more) which is evidenced by the multi-point letter drawn up by Delia Fey.
Based on the website and the ladies that were showcased there, I don't think anyone has "jumped" to conclusions. The gentleman who owns the property is obviously a colorful character and in my opinion has brought the scrutiny upon himself- don't you think it's silly to build something like this in a quiet town, put up the questionable website and expect that it wouldn't draw some attention, negative or otherwise?
(Castle Question) The way to read this question has more to do with what "Teeth" does the town have in its laws to stop something that is being built within Town/State and Federal construction laws. Look at what they have to use and you will see that the town has very little in stopping something that is being built to the building code laws. My (limited) understanding is that if a law is being broken the town can issue a stop and desist order from a court (read legal fees required and proof of the law being broken). The other is not to issue a Certification of Occupancy (CO), but that would mean that the building was not up to building codes. Either way there is not much that can be done if the building permit has already been issued. People need to look at the laws and see what and how these laws get punished. Most people don’t know that you can impose a law but not have any way to enforce it.
The second question has a couple of items to think about; Does the town know about this? And if so, I think that the Northeast Health Department of Health can shut down this illegal residence easier than the town. People can build and what can the town do to stop? Not issue a CO, or get a court order to stop this. But if they find out after – I think all they can do is fine the person(s) and not issue a CO if needed.
Someone needs to read the laws and what teeth are there to enforce them.