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Mayor Joe Ganim made the decision after receiving numerous respiratory complaints from residents of the adjacent neighborhood.
“O&G’s debris pile is really starting to look like Mount Trashmore II – and we have had enough,” said Ganim. “This cement facility on the East Side of our city has been an eyesore for years, and now we are taking action because of the health risks to residents caused by the company’s negligence. Every day this company fails to be a good neighbor and clean up its mountain of debris will be very costly."
The fines will build up by at least $100 per day, and if O&G fails to clean up its property it could lead to thousands of dollars in fines and a lien on the facility, he added.
"Obviously we hope that O&G starts behaving like a good corporate citizen but we will hold them accountable if they continue to act irresponsibly. The health of Bridgeport residents is our top priority and we will not hesitate to protect our community," Ganim said.
Under city ordinance 8.76.020, a property and the owner can be found in violation of anti-blight ordinances when “It is determined by the city that existing conditions pose a serious or immediate danger to the community; i.e., a life threatening condition or a condition, which puts at risk the health or safety of citizens of the city.”
Under the anti-blight ordinance, O&G has 15 days to respond to the city citation or clean up the property, or face a fine of up to $1,500 as well as a hearing.
After 30 days without cleanup, the company faces a fine of $3,000 and the city could take legal action to impose a lien on the property, impairing further transactions such as the sale of the facility until the lien is paid.
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