The federal government is claiming to be exempt from Ridgefield blight ordinances when it comes to a dilapidated property on Catoonah Street owned by the Post Office. 

First Selectman Rudy Marconi says this property is a prime example of why a blight ordinance was adopted.  The town's attorney agrees with the interpretation that the post office is exempt from zoning ordinances.  The landlord's attorney says the Post Office's immunity has transferred to the landlord. 

Marconi says the town will continue to pursue a solution. 

He says it's disappointing that the government would leave this house to fall into a state of disrepair.  The windows are boarded up, the grass is high, it's only 10 feet from the abutting homeowner's dwelling and is a fire hazard. 

One proposal was to sublease the property, but the Post Office is opposed to that option saying they will never get the property back.  Another idea discussed by the Ridgefield Board of Selectmen is to make it a historic property, offer to take the structure down and then see who would be willing to buy the land. 

The demolition estimate, including cleaning up the property, is $52,000.  Some of the neighbors have offered to help offset the cost.