City selectively enforcing zoning

To the editor:

As a long-time resident of Fairmont, I feel compelled to speak out about a serious and ongoing issue affecting my neighborhood and our local government’s credibility.

For nearly 20 years, I’ve witnessed the City of Fairmont selectively enforce zoning and construction regulations — holding some property owners to the letter of the law, while allowing others to violate ordinances without consequence. This has caused not only frustration, but real damage to property and the environment, especially along the lakefront on Shoreacres Drive.

One property in particular, 799 Shoreacres Drive, has clearly exceeded the legal 25 percent impervious surface limit. Yet the city has allowed additional structures and hardscape to be built, pushing the total to an estimated 57 percent or more–possibly without permits. Meanwhile, my attempts to follow proper procedures have often resulted in threats of enforcement or denial of improvements. Why are the rules not being applied equally?

More troubling is the water runoff issue from 913 Shoreacres Drive, where the former owner had a large-scale grading and construction by Beemer Companies and Fieldstone services have caused extensive erosion, property damage and shoreline degradation to my home at 901 Shoreacres.

Despite repeated complaints, the City has failed to intervene or hold anyone accountable. These changes have increased stormwater flow directly across my yard — where everything on my lot is properly tiled–doubling the water I’m forced to manage from a neighboring property.

I believe this stems from long-standing favoritism and neglect at City Hall. It’s past time we asked hard questions about who is being protected and why. I respectfully call on your paper to investigate this matter further. Our community deserves equal treatment, transparency and real accountability from city officials.

Tom Wrase

Fairmont