Author: The Record
Published October 16, 2024

Photo by William Crooks
Members of Stanstead’s town council address residents’ concerns during the Oct. 15 meeting, discussing tree cutting, fences, and future plans for the Del Monty Hotel.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At Stanstead’s monthly council meeting on Oct. 15, residents raised concerns during the first question period, covering topics from tree cutting and fencing issues to road repairs and updates on the Del Monty Hotel. Mayor Jody Stone presided over the meeting, with around eight residents in attendance, eager to discuss these pressing matters.

Concerns over tree cutting and fences

A significant portion of the first question period was dominated by residents voicing frustrations over tree cutting and fence-related issues near their properties. One resident was particularly vocal, stating, “He’s cutting trees, healthy ones, mature trees—just for no reason!” This sentiment was echoed by others who felt the cutting had been excessive and without proper consultation with those affected.

Another resident pointed out that not only were trees being removed, but the individual in question also failed to follow regulations, making their property maintenance more difficult. “The fence posts have been installed right on the boundary lines, and now they’ve been cemented in. I was told they would be moved, but here we are months later, and nothing has changed,” they complained.

The residents felt their complaints had not been taken seriously enough, with one individual emphasizing, “We’ve been talking about this for months, but it seems nothing is happening.” The council tried to reassure them, explaining that while the town was aware of the problem, legal and administrative steps had to be followed before any further actions could be taken. “We’re in the administrative phase, and while actions have been taken against the property owner, we have to follow legal protocols,” a councillor clarified. The council emphasized that they were doing what they could, but that these processes often take time.

Another resident highlighted the inconsistency in enforcement of tree-cutting permits, saying, “I applied for a permit to cut down a tree that was damaging my property, and it was denied, yet he’s cutting down healthy trees with no issues.” The councillor responded that while the town tries to enforce regulations fairly, there are situations where actions happen too quickly for intervention. “If someone decides to cut trees over the weekend, we don’t always have the power to stop them right away,” they admitted.

The discussion also delved into the impact of these developments on property values. One resident voiced concerns about their property’s declining value due to the construction, saying, “This is affecting the sale of my house. It’s not right that the town isn’t stepping in sooner to stop this.”

Praise for road repair technique

In contrast to the heated debate over trees and fences, the discussion shifted to a more positive note when one resident expressed appreciation for the new technique the town used to repair roads. The resident explained, “The new method you used this year to fill potholes was great. You brought in a tractor, flattened the road, and it worked really well. It’s made a noticeable difference compared to previous years.”

This statement prompted a detailed explanation from a councillor, who acknowledged that the technique was still in a testing phase. “We created a piece of equipment internally for this repair work. It’s a test, but it seems to be working, and it’s more cost-effective than bringing in heavy machinery,” the councillor said, adding that it saved the town both time and money.

The resident continued, asking if this method would be implemented more regularly in the future. The councillor confirmed that the town was considering making it a standard practice, particularly for roads that need frequent maintenance but don’t necessarily require full-scale repairs. “We’ve noticed it’s effective, and we’re thinking about using it more in areas that need frequent but minor repairs,” they said.

Another resident chimed in, adding their support for the method, “This is a great initiative. It’s making the roads safer and smoother, and it’s something that should continue.”

Updates on the Del Monty Hotel

As the discussion wound down, attention turned to the status of the Del Monty Hotel, an ongoing concern in the town for some time. One resident asked the council, “Are there any updates on the old Del Monty?” The councillor’s response revealed that while there had been progress, the issue was far from resolved.

The councillor explained that the town had taken possession of the building nearly two years ago because the previous owner had failed to pay property taxes. “We took control of the property to prevent further deterioration, but it’s a complicated situation,” they said. The primary challenge, they noted, is that any demolition would require the structure to be rebuilt on the same foundation, limiting redevelopment options.

Despite these obstacles, the councillor expressed optimism, sharing that the town was in talks with a group interested in revitalizing the property. “We’re working with a group that’s shown interest in restoring the building. We can’t share all the details yet, but if it moves forward, it will be a huge improvement for the downtown area,” they said, adding that the process would likely take 18 to 24 months before any significant progress could be seen.

Residents seemed eager for progress, with one individual commenting, “We’ve been waiting for years to see something happen with that building. It’s an eyesore, and the town really needs something to bring people back to the downtown area.”

The councillor reassured the residents that the town was committed to the project but asked for patience as they worked through the legal and logistical challenges. “It’s not a quick fix, but we’re making progress. We want to revitalize the area, and the Del Monty is a big part of that plan,” they said.

As the period drew to a close, the councillors reiterated their commitment to tackling the town’s issues, from tree cutting to property revitalization, while balancing the needs of residents and the constraints of the legal system. The whole meeting, covering various other topics and resolutions, lasted roughly an hour and twenty minutes.

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