Eviction eyesore concerns Theresa business owners

THERESA, New York (WWNY) – A pile of trash has popped up outside of a Theresa property on Commercial Street, leaving business owners unhappy. They’ve learned removing it is no simple task.

A broken couch, discarded clothes, and a cracked mirror. They’re probably not things you’d like to see sitting on the main road in your small community. For folks in Theresa, however, it’s an eyesore they have been looking at since last Thursday.

“It’s sending such a different message than what this community is about. We’re about a community garden and supporting the community,” said Sherri Kimber.

Kimber is a baker and she’s one of about a dozen vendors operating out of Theresa Treasures. A week ago, the mound of garbage showed up on the street right next to the store. Owner Katherine Hunter says she’s afraid it could hurt business.

“It looks like we don’t care about our community. With trash everywhere, it looks like it’s not a good place to stop or a safe place to stop,” she said.

According to Mayor Scott McConnell, the pile is the result of an eviction and it’s ultimately the landlord Jeff Cook’s responsibility to remove the trash since former tenants have not reclaimed it. Folks just hope something is done quickly.

“We need some kind of ordinance or the ordinance that exists already to be enforced so it doesn’t happen anymore,” said Hunter.

So why is this still here after a week? Jordan Bridge with village code enforcement says his hands are tied since the only person that can legally move this stuff is the landlord and no one can make him do that without a court order.

“I can’t force him to pick it up. I can just bring it in front of a judge. If the judge wants to issue an order saying he has so many days, hopefully, that’s going to be the case,” said Bridge.

According to code enforcement, paperwork has been filed that will give the landlord, Jeff Cook, an order to remove the trash. It’s unclear how long he’ll have to comply before the situation goes to court. Cook himself has declined to comment.

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