BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Sheriff Gordon Smith and code enforcement officer Corp. Glenn Ward addressed the Bradford County Commissioners Sept. 3 about residents living in unsafe and illegal conditions in campers, RVs and sheds.
They emphasized the need for stricter enforcement to ensure the safety of the community and compliance with local and state regulations.
Sheriff Smith opened the discussion by acknowledging that the problem is not new, but has become increasingly urgent.
“It’s something I’ve dealt with my entire career,” Smith said, referring to people living in makeshift accommodations. He recounted incidents where such living conditions had tragic outcomes, including a fire that resulted in loss of life. Smith expressed concern for vulnerable populations, particularly children, living in what he described as “deplorable conditions.”
“It’s great until we go and have to help a lady with three kids living in a portable shed in deplorable conditions. Not all campers are old and dilapidated, but I can tell a lot of them we’re dealing with I wouldn’t let them use it for a dog house,” he said.
Ward, who has been actively involved in addressing these issues, detailed the dangers posed by these living situations. He highlighted several safety concerns, such as the use of extension cords to power sheds and RVs, which pose significant fire hazards. Ward also pointed out that many of these structures are not equipped to withstand severe weather, such as hurricanes, making them dangerous shelters during storms.
Ward also discussed the public health risks associated with inadequate sanitation in these “homes.”
“Some are dumping sewage straight on the ground,” he said, raising alarms about potential contamination of the local water supply. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all dwellings meet basic health and safety standards to protect both the residents and the broader community.
Economic fairness was another issue raised during the discussion. Ward noted that while homeowners pay property taxes based on the value of their homes, those living in RVs, sheds and campers often only pay taxes on the land, leading to significant disparities.
“Homeowners are paying more for the same services your neighbor is getting and using,” Ward said, pointing out the unfair burden placed on compliant taxpayers. Not all cases involve rundown campers. Some are quite expensive RVs that have been purchased instead of investing in permanent housing.
The officials also touched on the impact these living situations have on community resources. Ward described repeated calls for emergency services to properties, including calls about substance abuse, domestic disputes and violence. He also mentioned instances where individuals are exploiting others by renting out these accommodations, people paying $300 to stay in a tent.
Despite the challenges, both Smith and Ward stressed that their approach is not about punishment but about compliance. They have worked to help residents find safer, legal housing options before taking more drastic measures like cutting off electricity or initiating foreclosure proceedings.
“We’re about being compassionate, but we’ve got to do something about the others,” Ward said, acknowledging the delicate balance between enforcement and empathy.
Ward proposed potential exemptions for temporary, safe setups during hunting seasons, ensuring that these are properly regulated. Temporary stays during the construction of permanent housing can also be permitted. However, he and the sheriff made it clear that the overall goal is to ensure safety and compliance across the board.
In closing, Sheriff Smith warned that more aggressive enforcement actions are on the horizon, particularly for those who continue to resist compliance. “We’re going to take some hard action on and enforce it,” he said, making it clear that the county is prepared to take a firmer stance to protect its residents and uphold community standards.
Commissioners will likely face pushback from affected residents as the crackdown intensifies. However, the officials remain committed to ensuring that all residents have access to safe, legal and healthy living conditions.
