Public Works, Planning & Development Standing Committee of the RTM Special Meeting Materials (linked)

1am not sure that there need to be changes to the Blight Ordinance enacted in
April 2017 as there need to be serious enforcement. My opinion is that thesé
changes are a smokescreen for the behavior of the zoning department. Please let
me share with you my experience and reactions with the blight complaint ! filed
with the zoning department.
First, why should the First Selectman get involved in the enforcement and/or non-
enforcement of the Blight Ordinance?
| waited for the blight ordinance to be written, approved and enacted. Then | filed
a complaint only to wait for the process to play out with attempted enforcement.
My experience with filing a blight complaint has been disappointing and
disturbing. My expectations were high with a new Blight Ordinance. The reality
was and is mismanagement.
| filed the first complaint filed under the Blight Ordinance April 2017. A citation
against the offender by the BEO was not issued until May 2018.The offender did
not comply with the violation prescriptions. A hearing was held in accordance
with the procedures in July 2018. A fine was assessed, an abatement plan was
presented to the offender and an agreement was signed with'the offender in
August 2018. The fine was not paid timely. It still isn’t paid. The original fine was
set at $3600 to be reduced to $600 upon completion of the actions by the
offender by a certain date. The abatement agreement still is not complete! The
fine should be over $38,000. The offender is being protected by the BEO.
There was no sense of urgency on the part of the BEO. He was negligent in thre
performance of his duties and responsibilities. The performance can only bé=:
characterized as a dereliction of duty and nonfeasance, misfeasance and
malfeasance on the part of the BEO and his supervisor. Bo
6 HY LI onto
Nonfeasance is the failure to act where action is required—willfully-¢ or Jn
neglect. Misfeasance is the willful inappropriate action or intentional incorrect
action or advice. Malfeasance is the willful and intentional action that injures a
party. |am injured by the lack of enforcement of a hearing officer’s written
decision.
Offenders are emboldened by lack of enforcement and inconsistent application of
_ blight ordinance and zoning regulations.

ineffective and incompetent Blight Enforcement Officers and their management
require training. ;
There was no communication on the part of the zoning department management
_ with me when the BEO was ineffective and/or absent. There has been no
response ta my continued and persistent emails to Abby Piersail for over fifteen
months. My email complaints to Abby Piersall were ignored. This is a total and
complete lack of customer service. | am completely disappointed in the town
elected officials and town zoning employees.
Ben Franklin is quoted as saying “Justice will not be served until those who are
‘unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” ;
Mark Dalton
August 12, 2020