10D-017 TACEY (32) December 3, 1990
Jeff A. Erf !7
119 Water Street
Leeds, MA 01053 ' 01
Mr. Frank Sienkiwicz
Building Inspector
City of Northampton
212 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Mr. Sienkiwicz:
Once again I am writing you in regards to the Tacy properties on Main Street, Leeds.
It has been over two and one-half months since I originally brought this matter to your
attention and still the Tacy's have yet to bring their properties into compliance with the
city's zoning regulations. During our last phone conversation four weeks ago you led
me to believe that the Tacy's were required to do the following:
- clear all equipment, materials, etc. from the property zoned "Construction
Supply Establishment"
- remove all logs, tree stumps, trash, discarded home appliances, demolition
materials, fuel oil tanks, etc.
- store remaining materials/supplies in an organized manner
- construct a fence and plant vegetative screening
- remove or screen the unregistered vehicle (last registered in 1988)
As of this date, none of the above has been carried out. Not only is this property an
eyesore, it's a potentially hazardous place for any neighborhood child who might
wander into the area. This concern alone should be enough for the city to take action.
I think the Tacy's have been given enough notice to clean up their property. It is time
for you to use stronger enforcement measures. I would suggest issuing the Tacy's a
fine in the amount of one hundred dollars for each day their property does not meet
regulations (starting immediately). You should be made aware, however, the word on
the street is that the current city administration is against using tickets (non-criminal
dispositions) for enforcement purposes and that "they" have been trying to delay the
implementation of this system. I hope this will not stop you from issuing a ticket. By
acting forcefully now, you may discourage the Tacy's from ignoring zoning regulations
in the future.
Just for your own knowledge, I would like to make you aware of an incident which
happened some time ago and concerns the Tacy's and their property. As you might
expect, I have been paying close attention to what the Tacy's have been storing and
discarding in their construction yard. About six weeks ago I noticed two large bare-
rooted yews (evergreen shrubs with roots attached) "stored" near the front of their
property. During a walk a couple of weeks later, my wife and I discovered similar
looking shrubs dumped in the woods along Reservoir Road. I immediately notified
City Counselor Raymond LeBarge who, by the way, also had noticed the shrubs on
Tacy's lot. To make a long story short, Mr. LeBarge confronted Eugene Tacy with my
allegation. Tacy admitted that the shrubs were his and promptly removed them. I
think this episode serves to show the total lack of regard the Tacy's have for this
community. I would like to see them become a better neighbor. Please help.
Sincerely yours,
Na
Jeff A. Erf
cc: Mayor David B. Musante Jr.