EMAIL TO THE EDITOR: Supervisor Babbitt-Henry Gives Full Explanation on Wrights Road Property

Dear Mr. Whiteman;

Thank you for your concern re: Wrights Road.

The town has been actively pursuing correction and compliance pertaining to that parcel for several years.  In  fact, the Town of Springwater court, and the Town of Springwater legal council,  accepted a plea agreement from the owners of the parcel and their legal council after many court appearances. The owners have until July 1, 2018 to correct all code enforcement violations and to remove the unsafe structure. There are serious ramifications and remedies if the owners fail to comply with the court ordered deadline. I can assure you that the Town of Springwater is not only prepared to, it fully intends to obtain compliance on this matter.

Unfortunately the animals are the personal property of the owners and as such the Town has no local laws or jurisdiction over them. I have strongly encouraged those persons calling and complaining about the animals to please report all suspected abuse and neglect to the Livingston County Sheriffs office for disposition. Animal cruelty and neglect are criminal in nature and can only be addressed by law enforcement.

These issues were discussed at town board meetings last year and earlier this year to keep the public appraised of the progress and limitations of the town regarding the Wrights Road parcel. I am sorry that you missed these meetings.

In addition, the parcel in question has neglected to pay their property taxes for the past three years and is in fact on a preliminary list for county tax foreclosure per a letter I received from the Livingston County Treasurers office.  I am including this information so that you are aware that once Livingston County takes control of the parcel the Town of Springwater will be out of the picture and all responsibility for the parcel will fall to the county.