NOT IN OUR TOWN
Two vintage trucks, nestled amid the tall green grass in the Town of Owego, give quiet testimony to a bygone era. If our government has its way, classic American country scenes such as this will be seen no more.

Town of Owego Councilman Don Davis, Chairperson of Planning and Zoning, has announced the following code changes that took effect July 8, 2002, in the Town of Owego:

Weeds & High Grass ( Section 302-302.4)

All premises and immediate exterior property shall be maintenance free from weeds or plant growth and high grass of 10 inches (254 mm) or more.

All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs, provided, however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. Violators will be prosecuted.
 

Motor Vehicles (Section 302.8 )

Two or more inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicles shall not be parked, kept or stored on any premises, (a lot, plot or parcel of land, including any structures thereon), and no vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled. Painting of vehicles is prohibited. (Unless inside an approved EPA spray booth). A vehicle of any type is permitted to undergo major overhaul, including body work, provided that such work is performed inside a structure, or enclosed area, designed and approved for such purpose.

Councilman Davis stated, "No more than one motor vehicle shall be unlicenced on said property. This vehicle may be unlicenced and for sale or ready for repairs, providing this is done inside a structure safe area designed and approved for such repairs."

This vehicle shall be ready for legal use on public highways, within any given time. According to Councilman Davis, "The bottom line is this, if you have several junk vehicles on your property unlicenced - chose one, repair it, get it sold, or ready to run, and junk the others." Davis added, "I personally gladly accept these changes, for as my goal as your councilman, is to keep the Town of Owego clean and safe. "With everyone's help, we can work together in making the Town of Owego a very nice place to live in, with hopes of bringing new businesses to our area in the very near future."

If you have any questions or comments concerning these code changes, call the Code Enforcement Officer, at 687-5142, or Davis at 625-3717.

NOTE: These are just two examples from the new "Property Maintenance Codes of New York State" that is being adopted throughout the state. Other states across the country have also adopted this code according to Councilman Davis. Everyone should attend their local town meetings and find out what is happening in their own area. Maybe we don't want junk cars and tall weeds in front yards of residential neighborhoods, but how far will our government go in regulating what we can and can't do?