Residents press council on sidewalk enforcement and drainage at Jamestown meeting

Two residents used the public-comment period to press the council for action on local maintenance issues.

Paul Wolf of 212 Fulton Street told council members he had been injured by poorly maintained sidewalks and cited the city ordinance (chapter 215-42(c)) that covers sidewalk maintenance. Wolf said he has observed multiple violations on vacant and absentee-owned properties and urged the city to enforce ordinances against negligent property owners; he said, if problems continue, he intends to pursue legal action.

Later, John Rokehouse described chronic drainage and runoff problems on South Avenue that allow stormwater to enter his property; public works staff said they would check whether the city can coordinate with the neighboring town to address street maintenance and drainage there.

The meeting record shows no immediate enforcement action taken during the meeting; both items were directed to staff for follow-up.