George Pease to retire as code enforcement officer

LANCASTER- Attending his final Lancaster Village Board meeting, George Pease, who works for both the Town and Village of Lancaster as a code enforcement officer, has decided to retire from the position and spend time with his friends and family.

For 12 years, Pease was employed by the town and also served as the village’s part-time code enforcement officer.

During the meeting, the village board approved to accept Pease’s request, but didn’t let him leave without him knowing their gratitude for his years of service.

“[The board] appreciates the time you spent on behalf of the village residents,” Village of Lancaster Mayor William G. Cansdale Jr. said to Pease.

Prior to employment with the town and village, Pease owned and operated A-Z Window & Décor and Home Improvement Company, which he purchased when we was only 24 years old. The company grew from three employees to 15 employees with sales more than $750,000 annually and serviced all of Western New York.

He also founded The House of Windows, which manufactured insulated glass units and assembled vinyl replacement windows for the wholesale trade. Eventually, Pease decided to sell both businesses and concentrate his efforts on a new frontier, one that lead him to start publishing a monthly drag racing publication.

Pease and his wife, Marveen, of 41 years, enjoyed the sport of drag racing and traveled every weekend in pursuit of their affection for the sport and the comradely with their friends at the races.

As a former track champion, it seemed natural for him to write about the sport he loved so much and it was at this time, “Drag Racing News” was created. The magazine grew to more than 5,000 issues circulated per month and was distributed throughout the Northeast and Southern Ontario.

After 10 years, Pease sold the publication. He reentered the home improvement business with a DBA called GRP Builders, which specializes in windows and doors and small home improvement projects.

The business is still active today and Pease will continue to do small home improvement projects throughout his retirement on a limited basis.

He said his immediate plans call for enjoying his retirement with family and friends at their summer home at Rushford Lake.

“It’s been a great opportunity to serve this community where I live and I thank the town board and the village board for their support throughout my 12 years,” said Pease.

As a code enforcement officer, Pease said he will miss dealing with the residents, the friendships he has made, and those he has worked side by side for many years.

“I’ll tell you a lot of times there is a lot of aggravation with this job, that I won’t miss,” remarked Pease. “People calling up and complaining about their neighbors it is like doesn’t anybody get along anymore?” laughed Pease.

In other village news:

A public hearing was held for 28 Hinchey Ave., to consider if the structure is dangerous and unsafe to the public.

Pease stated the roof needs to be replaced, the foundation has been comprised and is unsafe, the interior suffered water damage and needs to be repaired, the windows and doors need to be repaired.

“Basically, the structure is unfit for human occupancy,” remarked Pease. “It is unsanitary and vermin infested.”

Two village residents, who live near the property, both told the board that the structure is unsafe and is inhabitable.

The board voted to demolish the structure, but advertising for bids will be put on hold due to a potential buyer, who was in attendance at the meeting, interested in purchasing the property.

Another hearing was held on 22 East Drullard Ave., a property that has been in disarray for about two years.

Pease remarked that the basement was filled with water and it sat with water for probably two years. Mold is present on the basement walls and it is also unfit for human occupancy due to lack of maintenance.

The owners of the property did not respond to Pease’s notices. The same potential buyer for the Hinchey Avenue property was also interested in this property as well.

The board motioned to demolish it, but Pease was a little hesitant because it is a structure that could be saved if someone wanted to conduct a major overhaul.

Furthermore, the decision on whether or not the board will move forward on the demolition of the property located at 105 Livingston St., has been tabled for next board meeting. The board has already received the bid results for asbestos abatement and demolition services, but is holding off due to the home being possibly sold. They will move forward with the demolition if a contract is not presented at the next meeting.

The next Village of Lancaster Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, in the Municipal Building Council Chambers, 5423 Broadway, Lancaster.