Complaints Continue Regarding Chautauqua Town Residence
Trending
MAYVILLE -- Complaints about an alleged drug house continued at the October Chautauqua Town Board meeting.
Over the last few months, residents have complained about an address on Beaujean Road with possible illegal activity.
The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office visited there recently. Bodycam footage was requested by the town board and turned over to its code enforcement office to see if there are code violations.
One neighbor said there is a single-wide trailer on the property, along with a barn, five camper trailers and tents. "Currently there are approximately 15 people living back there. My concern is what is happening with the sewage that they are creating," he said.
Town Supervisor Don Emhardt said that is a concern of the board's as well. He said the county would be responsible to ensure sewage is being properly disposed. "That's a good question for them," he said.
Another resident expressed frustration that something hasn't been done yet. "I know it's a process and I understand that. I'm getting a little itchy for something to be done," he said.
Emhardt said town officials recently met with the property owner. "We made a little progress," he said.
Another resident alleged that the residents there have been trespassing, putting tents on her own property.
Councilman Tom Carlson said the town is limited on what it can do. "The town in no way is trying to get out of what we're responsible and what falls on our shoulders to take care of. We take care of code, building code, things like that. We need the police to take care of things that are criminal. You have to have the Health Department out there for health reasons. The DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) is another one. There's a group of entities that need to come together to take care of this. We're not going to be able to solve all of the problems, but we want to be there and do our part," he said.
Code Enforcement Officer Frank Watson, who was hired in July, said he believes progress is being made. "The intent is to see it through. As said before, it is a process and it's a big legal one too. .... A little bit more patience and I think you'll see a turnaround here," he said.
Ken Shearer, who is a member of the Chautauqua Lake Central School Board of Education, was in attendance at the town board meeting asked to bring to the school board concerns of the residents, because the property is so close to the school.
Other allegations made at the meeting included illegal burning of trash and the use of illegal drugs.