Junkyard license renewal signed

NORTH EAST — After much back and forth among the owners of Thomsen & Graham Metals, Inc., area residents, the Town Board and a couple of attorneys, the renewal license for the junkyard was signed at the Town Board meeting Thursday, Sept. 4.

Initially the license was to be signed at a Town Board meeting last month, but neither of the two owners of Thomsen & Graham could attend that meeting. Last week, however, Leif Thomsen was present. It has since been learned that partner Amanda Graham has moved out of the area and is no longer involved in the day-to-day operation of the business.

Thomsen addressed a few concerns he had in the license renewal agreement last week. Those included some of the terminology related to what was cited by neighbors as violations of his operation of the facility. As a result, a minor change was made to the agreement, with the word "alleged" inserted before the assertions.

"The resolution was not making the finding as such," explained town Supervisor Dave Sherman. "It was just recapping as to what was said at the public hearing in July. A very minor change was agreed to."

Following the hearing Thomsen reflected on the contract.

"I certainly was satisfied. I frankly think our town government works pretty well," he said. "I think it was a very fair way [to settle] our outstanding issues and I was very pleased. I think the town was more than reasonable — they worked very constructively."

While at the hearing Thomsen spoke about the tires on the property, which has been a concern raised by nearby residents, whose complaints have ranged from aesthetics to health risks (including attracting mosquitoes and illnesses like West Nile Virus).

Thomsen indicated he had a substantial number, but still relatively few tires when compared to other junkyards, equaling about 2,000 to 3,000 in total.

"Our provisions were as to what he would have to agree to that they would all need to be removed in 90 days of approval of resolution," Sherman said. "He said there was no way that could be done. Tire removal is extremely difficult in New York state. He’s seeking to go into a removal or recycling facility because he said it’s very difficult to get them picked up."

According to what was said at the meeting, the junkyard is seeking to purchase a machine that would keep the tires off the rims and assist operators in cutting up the tires to make them more marketable. Cut-up tires are sought by those who can recycle them. The Town Board agreed to some of these suggestions, and included them in the license renewal.

"What we agreed to do is to make provisions that he would make efforts to reduce and eliminate [the yard’s] tire storage and remove what stockpile he has, and provide a report to us through the town’s code enforcer every 90 days as to how that’s progressing," Sherman said. "He said that other than tires on vehicles that are being junked, he does not accept tires themselves."

Thomsen also addressed his need to work on the property after hours, to tackle paperwork. The board made changes to the license to allow for that.

"There were just little issues of access about when we went in and got out," Thomsen said, adding that he wanted to make sure the junkyard was not found to be in violation of any laws, and that it was not. "I think the board said this license had to look forward and not back, and that nothing was to be gained by finding us in violation of anything.

"It was all settled most amicably," he added. "So many times junkyards run afoul of towns and a very hostile environment is created. What I find in this town here is a very warm atmosphere for the operation of this yard."

Neighbors of the junkyard were present at the signing. Many have previously registered complaints about the operation of the business. Those present last week did not raise further criticism, but rather expressed agreement with the terms of the license renewal. Thomsen addressed those in the audience and apologized for any past problems and stated his intention to abide by the new provisions.

"I’m satisfied, and the board as a whole is satisfied, I think," Sherman said, adding that the public also appeared to be pleased with the way things had panned out.