Canton shack a blight

I would like to clarify a couple of points in the article about my efforts to buy the shack on the island near the Miner Street bridge in Canton.

Five years ago Grasse River Heritage offered to buy the property from the owner, Gregory E. Williams, who declined. The offer this time was from me, as an individual, not Grasse River Heritage. I offered the owner $5,000, the amount assessor Steve Teele told me was the current assessment. I am willing to pay Mr. Williams the current assessed value, whatever it is.

My intent was to raze an eyesore at an entrance to the village and return the island to its natural state. The building has been abandoned for several years and seems well beyond repair. I think the owner has a civic responsibility to either sell or take action to remedy this blight on our beautiful village.

Peter Van de Water

Canton