Community Upset Trash Build-Up By Christian Brothers Construction

Davenport residents report concerns to the town council regarding Christian Brothers Construction and trash debris.

DAVENPORT - Roughly ten residents attended the Davenport Town Board meeting on Mar. 19 to discuss concerns regarding a property owned by Christian Brothers Home Improvement and Housing of Oneonta.

The residents state that the property, located 8047 St Hwy 23 in Davenport with a Oneonta address, is overloaded with uncontained trash. They state that on a windy day, the garbage is blown all over and into their yards. 

Michael Amo said that he is constantly picking up styrofoam and other trash particles along his yard and driveway.

Amo and his wife Janelle Amo say this is not the first time they have come to the board with this issue. In the past, the code enforcement officer had the owners of Christian Brothers clean up, they said. However, Janelle said the job was never completed. "It is extremely frustrating to see it continue to perpetuate," she said.

Mayra Perez said, "He (the owner) seems to make band aid fixes..."

Another resident pleaded with the board stating the area is residential and should be cared for as such.

Other residents reported that Christian Brothers truck trailers full of uncovered trash and construction debris from the Oneonta area to the Davenport Transfer Station and make quite a mess along the way.

Highway Superintendent Fred Utter told residents that he had informed or yelled at the owners of the company for spilling trash when coming to the station. He also said that it is illegal in NY to have a trailer or truck of garbage that is uncovered. Utter said a verbal warning is all he can do since the law is enforced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Utter added that he is unable to do anything about the debris coming from Oneonta since he doesn't have proof. The Davenport transfer station only permits trash to be dropped off from the Davenport area.

Supervisor Timothy "Tim" Kelso informed residents that Code Enforcement Officer Tomi Tompkins issued a code violation on Mar. 14. The owners have 30 days to clean up the property, he said. In addition, Kelso said he would review the town laws with help of a volunteer retired attorney to see if there are any other protocols they can enforce. One option might be to make owners keep dumpsters on the property to avoid trash flying, he said. Kelso will also contact DEC representatives to inform them of the issue and see if they are willing to inspect the property.

Council Member Jackie Losie said the main concern is safety, if chemicals are leaking into the groundwater it is a major issue. She also stated that this is not the only property in the town residents have the same concerns. 

Michael Amo was chosen to be informed by the council of any findings on the issue. Amo agreed to relay information to other concerned residents.

In other business

The audit for the justice court is being organized by Losie and Council Member Norman Schubert.

Councilmembers entered into an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

The next scheduled town council meeting is Tuesday, Apr. 16, at 7 p.m.

This reporter made an unintentional error in the February report of the Davenport council meeting titled "Davenport Officials Seek Funds For Food Pantry" appearing in the Feb. 24 edition of The Mountain Eagle. All comments attributed to Council Member Mark Miller should have been attributed to Council Member Norman Schubert. We apologize for the error.