Highland homeowner gets an answer: no

By DAVID HULSE

ELDRED, NY — For more than a year Yulan homeowner John Watters has been regularly attending Highland Town Board meetings, trying to get board members to respond to problems he claims resulted from insufficient building inspections and improper approvals given during the construction of his home.

The board’s response in recent months was that upon the advice of counsel, they would not comment as Watters had contacted an attorney and litigation could be forthcoming.

Watters, in response, has claimed that he has dropped his legal counsel, but Town Attorney Susan Whalen has said that the town has never received required formal notice of that decision.

It’s been a stalemate, with Watters’ only gains coming from growing support among the board meeting audience who began to join him in demanding an answer.

Watters appeared again on November 9, this time carrying bound copies of the written record of his difficulties, which he handed out to everyone entering the town hall.

But on his last attempt, the discussion changed when Watters rose to question the board.

Supervisor Allen Schadt once again told Watters that the board would not comment and added that the timeframe Watters had to “do something” about the situation has “long since passed.”

“Then you’re not going to help?” Watters responded.

“Correct,” said Schadt.

Watters then attempted to poll the board members as to whether they would give him a place to stay, as his home would likely be condemned. “Mr. (former Town Attorney Andrew) Boyar told you a year ago that this was wrong and you’ve kept the same course even though it was wrong. Property values have gone up a third here and mine is down $70,000 thanks to you guys,” he said.

Whalen suggested taking legal action against the contractor and reminded Watters that he has not provided a letter releasing his attorney and “we require one.”

“I’m here for everyone else who might face this problem,” Watters replied.

“The town board didn’t hire your contractor,” Whalen said.

With that, Watters walked out of the town hall without further comment.