Neighbors protest 'junkyard'
By Steve Myrick
Published: February 12, 2009
The town of Edgartown plans legal action against Robert Sequeira, charging violations of town zoning laws. Neighbors of Mr. Sequeira, who lives at 9 Slough Cove Road, protested what they called an "illegal junk yard" during the Edgartown selectmen's meeting Tuesday.
Attorney Dan Larkosh, and Arthur Soloman, president of the Dunham's Corner Residents Association, represented about 35 neighbors in an appeal to selectmen for action.
They said Mr. Sequeira piles junk on his property, as well as that of his neighbors.
Photo by Steve Myrick
"There are appliances, old refrigerators, close to a dozen junk cars, junk trailers, Bobcat parts, storage tanks for fuel," said Mr. Larkosh.
"This has been a source of considerable disappointment, anger, and consternation," said Mr. Solomon. "Frankly, we are disappointed that the town has taken inadequate action. It's not allowed, it's not legal, it should be stopped."
Neighbors submitted photographs and documents outlining their effort to force clean-up of the property.
Mr. Sequeira did not attend the selectmen's meeting and did not return phone calls from The Martha's Vineyard Times seeking comment.
Board chairman Art Smadbeck said authority to enforce the zoning laws rests with building inspector Leonard Jason Jr., who attended the meeting. Mr. Jason said he has tried to work with Mr. Sequeira and sent all required notices as part of the legal process to enforce the zoning laws. He said there has been some progress.
"He's not running a junkyard, he's just a collector. He's got too much junk in the yard," Mr. Jason said because Mr. Sequeira did not respond to the latest legal notice, he intends to seek an injunction in Edgartown District Court later this month, when the court is next in session.
"He had 14 days to appeal, he chose not to," said Mr. Jason. "I think it's got to go to a higher authority."
