WEST NEW YORK AND BEYOND – As noted in our cover story in the West New York reporter last week, new West New York Mayor Felix Roque has found several problems in Town Hall upon taking office three months ago. This week, he announced another potential issue.
According to a press release:
After learning that the WNY Building Department has allowed fines to go uncollected, Mayor Roque has announced an investigation of the handling of files by the department. It was recently disclosed a town employee had accumulated over $500,000 in fines for a housing violation from 2009.
“I am concerned with the way the Building Department operates” stated Mayor Roque. “One of the frequent complaints I hear from the residents is the lack of follow up and communication from the Building Department staff.” Various residents have lodged complaints about how they have been treated by the building Department staff. There are allegations that some staff members have used racial slurs and have been uncooperative when processing applications. Mayor Roque has requested that a review of all open violations and permit applications be conducted. The investigation will be done by the Town’s auditor and Dave Corrigan, Esq.
Roque said that two officials, Tom O’Malley, head of the Building Department, and Silvio Acosta, were placed on Administrative Leave for two weeks pending the outcome of the investigation.