Some residents living along the east side of the 2800 block of Randolph Ave., Skyline Dr., and Grand Marais West in South Windsor recently received city notices instructing them to remove sheds, pools, and fences from their backyards, as these structures appear to encroach on a public alley.
According to a report by CBC News, the city claims these structures are encroaching on an allegedly existing but unmaintained alley. Despite residents asserting there has not been an alley for decades and their properties directly abut one another, the city gave them until November 21 to comply with the removal order.
In the report, a resident expressed the impracticality of complying, saying it would involve removing significant elements such as driveways, cement pads, trees, landscaping, and pools. Some residents also mentioned feeling threatened by the notices, which failed to inform them of the option, as explained by Ward 10 councillor, to purchase the alley for a nominal fee of one dollar, plus survey costs. Some of the residents, who have received a month’s extension, are still exploring the possibility of methods to close the alley collectively and eventually purchasing their portion.
Moreover, according to the report, the right-of-way and field services coordinator at the public works department, Andrew Lewis, explained the public works department is unable to guide individuals on purchasing their portion of the alley, as this responsibility falls under the purview of the planning department. Further, he emphasized the public works department cannot assure residents that they will be able to acquire their share of the alley. He noted that residents’ extensions to comply are in effect until the process is completed, pending city council approval for closing the alley.
