An open letter to East Garafraxa Council:

My name is Morris Greener and I live at 33 Brookhaven Cres. I believe you are all aware of the derelict house at 18 Brookhaven, which has been in its current state for a number of years. In 2009 this home was highlighted in a November 12th Orangeville Citizen article titled “No progress on East Gara Eyesore”. http://www.citizen. on.ca/news/2009/1112/regi onal_news/007.html

In this article Ms. Stone was quoted in an emailed response to resident Rudy Toering saying that “The Township does not have a Property Standards Bylaw, and the Township Subdivision Agreement with respect to this subdivision does not specify building time lines”.

The absence of a property standards bylaw, regardless of a home’s construction stage, has generated much discussion in our neighbourhood. It makes little sense that the municipality does not have a mechanism in place to assure that both neighbours pride in their neighbourhood, and their property values are protected from others who simply do not take the necessary steps to adhere to very basic standards.

It appears that council has little interest in adopting such a bylaw as it’s now been almost one year since the Citizen article, and nothing has changed.

Municipal elections are just around the corner and I believe that a majority of East Garafraxa residents would want to hear views on this matter from those running for council.

I am aware of and comfortable with Mayor Taylor’s thoughts. He has regularly visited our neighbourhood and kept us informed regarding this and other issues on our street.

Before casting my vote, I would like to hear from those on council regarding their stand on a property standards bylaw.

I can certainly appreciate that such a bylaw would be of less concern to our rural neigh-

bours. Having said that, I would guess that subdivision taxes account for well over 50% of East Gary’s tax base, and some consideration should be given to the concerns of those residents.

Of interest, the issue of 18 Brookhaven is on the verge of being resolved as this unfinished home is now up for sale. On the other hand, another home at 39 Brookhaven seems to be following the same path.

Now starting its 2nd year of construction, (with no activity for many months), this site has already become a distinguished “Second East Gary Eyesore”. I have no problems with any builder issues that result in longer term construction delays but, surely steps should be undertaken to clean up the outside of the property. That’s where a Property Standards bylaw would benefit us most.

I look forward to hearing council members thoughts on passing such a bylaw. I expect virtually all cities, towns and municipalities have this in place and can’t understand why East Garafraxa, on the heels of the 18 Brookhaven fiasco, has not adopted one. I look forward to discussing responses and or lack of responses with residents on Brookhaven and elsewhere.

Morris Greener

East Garafraxa