STAFFORD/Pontillo property in Stafford not up to code, Town says it cannot be occupied

The Town of Stafford says James Pontillo did not follow through on any of his promises after a May 2016 inspection by an engineer.

“He has been notified by First Class mail and the building has been posted to not be occupied,” says Gene Sinclair, Zoning Enforcement Officer for the Town of Stafford.

During the monthly Town Board Meeting Monday, Town Supervisor Robert Clement then asked about the car that has been left behind out front of 6177 Rt. 5.

“He is supposed to get rid of the car,” says Sinclair.

“However, he thinks we are supposed to get rid of the car, so we are at a stale mate, unless you can give me an executive order to have him tow it out of there.”

According to Sinclair, the car is unlicensed and has two flat tires and was left behind by a former tenant. The registration and inspection have expired.

Sinclair says the building is currently empty.

Pontillo has owned the building since 2010 and was working to create a mixed use of apartments and a possible storefront.

During his ownership, he has battled with the Town over a fence issued that was resolved finally in November of 2015 when the zoning board’s decision was reversed after both sides spent a lot of time in court over the height of a fence located on the west side of the property.

Sinclair says there are several things that can happen.

“He can bring it up to code, the Town can bring it up to code, the Town can secure the building, which is boarding it up, or worse comes to worse it can be torn down.”

Resident Linda Call then spoke out against the tearing down of the historic Odd Fellows Building.

” I am horrified by that idea, would someone be able to buy it?”

Planning Board member Anita Taylor then asked if taxes were currently paid?

“If he is in rears with taxes then the County would take it over and sell it at auction,” says Sinclair.

Pontillo has 30 days to respond to the issue.

“This is the third time and we made up our minds that one way or another its just going to sit there and fall down.”