Town seeks permanent injunction against landscaper

NORTH CANAAN — A motion for judgment has been filed in a lawsuit filed by the town against a resident who refuses to satisfactorily clean up his property, or even appear in court.

Christopher Jordano has been the subject of a petition by neighbors, a complaint from the resident state trooper, numerous Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) discussions and orders to cease and desist activities   that do not comply with zoning regulations at his 12 Barlow St. home.

His refusal to comply after months of opportunities, appeals to apply for proper permitting and second chances by Zoning Enforcement Officer Karl Nilsen led to a lawsuit, an unprecedented event in North Canaan’s eight-year zoning history.

Jordano’s landscaping business is based at the residentially zoned property near the center of town. He has parked trucks and trailers on the narrow street and in nearby business parking lots. His yard, visible from nearby Route 44, was hidden by piles of chopped firewood. Wood debris was often burned on site, with fires left to smolder unattended.

On Aug. 9, Nilsen filed a motion with the court asking for a permanent injunction against Jordano using or permitting the property to be used as an excavating contractor establishment. The civil penalty could run him $2,500, in addition to costs and reasonable attorney fees.

The town is represented by attorney Judith Dixon.

While it is not a part of the current legal proceedings, Jordano has had other problems with the law since taking up  residence on Barlow Street. In July 2004, the five-bedroom house was raided by the Statewide Narcotics Task Force. Marijuana, cash and supplies used in selling drugs were seized. Jordano was one of six people found in the home and arrested.

Among the charges against Jordano was possession within a school zone.

He has appeared in police reports occasionally since then, mostly on motor vehicle charges that included driving without a license.

Nilsen noted at a Planning and Zoning meeting this month that Jordano has done considerable cleanup, but not enough to bring the property in compliance with zoning. Various renovation activities appear to be going on at the home, for which no building permits have been issued, he said.