The Hamlet Town Council has given the owner of a dilapidated garage another 30 days to clean up the structure before imposing a $5,000 fine. The fine was approved during this month’s zoning board meeting, after town officials said Louis Gorgees failed to repair or demolish the structure on Railroad Street near the former bank building.
But when members convened as the town council Wednesday, Gorgees explained that he’d had a contractor lined up, but they ran into some issues. “I’m just trying to see if she can help me,” he told council members. “Extension! Give me some more time! Another month.”
While council members were skeptical that the structure could be repaired, Gorgees said he’d like to avoid demolition, to try to save the items he has stored inside. In the end, the council members agreed that if the garage isn’t torn down or cleaned up by July 22, they’d proceed with the $5,000 fine.
Gorgees then offered town officials snacks and even the garage’s contents, but not without demanding to have the extension in writing before he left Wednesday’s meeting.
