Letter to the editor:
As a resident of Wallaceburg and taxpayer in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, I would like to address a few concerns.
Property Standards: The Municipality is responsible for enforcing property standards, but since the amalgamation, this enforcement is sadly lacking in Wallaceburg.
The conditions of some homes and private properties in the Municipality are in disarray as well as municipal-owned land is unkept contrary to existing by-laws.
This results in neighbour conflict as well as devaluing neighbouring property values.
In addition, the long, unkept growth attracts rats, mice, snakes and other wildlife known to be vectors of disease.
They are an eyesore that endanger the safety of residents especially children.
The bushes/brush/trees on some properties are blocking the sidewalk impacting foot, wheelchair, and mobility device travel.
The Municipality is paid via taxes to maintain municipal-owned land as well as ensure that property standards are met by private property owners.
Phone calls to address this problem go unanswered.
Construction along Dufferin Avenue in Wallaceburg: Several mistakes have been made by the construction company including spelling errors on new street signs (Bruinsma Ave) as well as hydro poles and guide wires in the middle of sidewalk impeding general access for those using strollers or mobility devices.
Will these mistakes be corrected by the construction company at no further cost to taxpayers?
– Albino Alves, Wallaceburg
