Home businesses, such as landscapers and truck drivers, already taking a beating from the economy, are facing one more problem — where to put their equipment.
Isinglass Road resident Rudy Kurowski, charged with storing the tractor portion of his big rig in his driveway, is facing hearings in Milford Superior Court after he allegedly violated a city order to stop parking the truck there. He faces fines if a judge rules against him. His truck was still parked there as of last week (ending June 27).
Another hearing is scheduled in a few of months, because a judge granted an extension as the house is facing foreclosure, said Thomas Dingle, Shelton’s Zoning Enforcement Officer.
No one answered a telephone call to the home’s listed number.
The dispute started from a neighbor’s complaint, as most do, Dingle said.
“Most complaints are unregistered vehicles,” he said, adding that many small business owners, including landscapers, are working from home to save money and have no place to put their equipment.
Storing commercial construction equipment or tractors at home violates zoning regulations, Dingle said.
But most complaints get settled with a phone call. Court is the last resort because it costs money, according to Dingle.
Another resident, William Frascatore of Quaker Ridge Road, was facing legal action over an unregistered car on his property and for loading and unloading construction equipment. But he has since complied and remains in the clear.
“The car is gone. He’s not bringing his trailer home with his landscaping equipment,” Dingle said.
In general, people are considering the impact of the appearance of neighboring homes, especially ones with businesses, prompting them to complain.
“They’re complaining about the inconvenience of the business next door,” Dingle said.
