Business
Couple Faces Setbacks in $38,000 Consent Battle for Property

Mike and Karen Sanson are grappling with a frustrating situation that has spanned over 11 months and cost them nearly $38,000. Their attempts to obtain necessary consent for a property project in the Town of Haverstraw have repeatedly stalled, leaving them at a standstill.
The couple’s plans were straightforward. They sought to renovate a property, but the process has proven to be anything but simple. Despite multiple submissions and ongoing communication with local authorities, they have yet to receive the required approvals. The Sansons have cited a lack of clarity and responsiveness from the relevant agencies as significant barriers to their progress.
After nearly a year of waiting, the Sansons are frustrated with the bureaucratic hurdles that have hindered their project. Each delay has not only postponed their plans but has also led to escalating costs associated with the project. The $38,000 invested thus far includes fees for applications, consultations, and other related expenses.
“It’s disheartening,” said Mike Sanson. “We feel like we’re doing everything right, but we just can’t get a clear answer on what we need to move forward.” The couple has expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in the process and the difficulties in reaching decision-makers who can provide the necessary approvals.
Local residents have shown support for the Sansons, expressing sympathy for their plight. Many have shared their own stories of navigating the local planning process, which they describe as convoluted and time-consuming. The community’s backing has added a layer of pressure on local officials to address the issues faced by the Sansons and others in similar situations.
The Town of Haverstraw has acknowledged the complexities involved in the consent process but has also emphasized the need for thorough reviews to ensure compliance with local regulations. A spokesperson for the town stated, “We are committed to working with residents to provide clarity and support throughout the application process.”
Despite this assurance, the Sansons remain skeptical. They are considering their options, including seeking legal advice to explore potential avenues for expediting their application. “We just want to move forward and start our project,” Karen Sanson added.
As the couple continues to navigate this challenging situation, their case highlights broader issues within local governance and the impact of procedural delays on residents’ aspirations. The Sansons hope that their experience will prompt a review of the existing processes to make them more efficient and user-friendly for future applicants.
Their ongoing struggle serves as a reminder of the complexities often involved in property development and the critical need for clear communication and timely action from local authorities. As they approach the one-year mark, Mike and Karen Sanson remain determined to see their project through to completion, advocating for change along the way.
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