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November 04, 2009 | 04:39 PM
It is clear to us that residential yards are not supposed to look like the Burdens' place on Willis Avenue. We find it hard to understand why after nine years of complaints about that obvious blight, it is still there. [Read story on page A1.]
Sure, one man's trash could be another man's treasure. But no matter what the economic value (or sentimental value for that matter), cars, trucks, tires and cans lying around a backyard constitute a serious quality of life issue for neighbors. Maybe worse if health or environmental hazards are discovered, although to our knowledge none has been found to date.
We are glad to see Mayor Garant deal in a logical manner with the problem. We will continue to watch what unfolds. And while we generally approve of Village Trustee Carmine Dell Aquila's emphasis on constituent services, we find his zeal in this instance a distraction. Dell Aquila, we believe, is an important counterbalance on the board and a proven source of great expertise. But he should not let what appear to be mutual antipathies with other trustees sidetrack his work for the residents.
As for Trustee Leslea Snyder's recusal, we are only glad that in this case it did not affect the attempt to resolve this matter. It is not surprising in a village this size that elected officials know the residents on a personal level. However, instead of recusal in such cases, we would prefer a vote based squarely on the merits of the thing itself. Surely that is not too much to ask of any Port Jefferson village official?
As for residents who would falsely accuse our code chief of assault or frivolously accuse a neighbor of making bombs, well what can one say? Wouldn't a public apology and compliance with Village Code be a nice start.
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