Carbonear council dealing with man “terrorizing” residents

By Local Journalism Initative Reporter Olivia Bradbury

Members of the Carbonear council are making an effort to deal with what appears to be a problematic property and individual in the community.

At the July 21 public meeting, councillor Stephen Penney asked for an update on a previous motion to send cleanup orders to three properties.

Chief Administrative Officer Cathy Somers replied they had been in contact with a lawyer to draft an order that is in line with the Town’s new bylaws.

“Okay, because one of those properties is really problematic and the neighbouring residents are inquiring about it,” said Penney.

“That issue was raised on the doorsteps when we were all campaigning,” said Deputy Mayor Fred Earle. “I think that some of these have been ongoing with previous councils, and unfortunately it drags on. But I’m very sympathetic to the neighbours in this community who have to live with this.”

Earle said the issue needs to be resolved in a timely manner, and the current council will not tolerate it. “I just wanted to alleviate (the concerns of) the citizens that we are going to push this forward hook and by crook,” said Earle.

“I totally agree,” said Mayor Sam Slade. “No one should have to live in fear and right now this neighbourhood has been terrorized by one individual and, when people are afraid to go out in their yards and one thing or another because of it, that gives me some great concern. And I will be supporting my colleagues on council when it comes to doing whatever it takes to correct it.”

Councillor Amanda Dowden said Town staff should push to get legal advice quickly.

“The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” said Dowden, adding that they should knock on the lawyer’s door twice a day if that is what it takes.

“We’re a source of help, and it feels like we’re just not pulling through right now,” said Dowden.

Slade said he was sure Somers would get in touch with the lawyer the following day in an effort to move things along.