Owners of the Cochrane Pond campground appeared in provincial court this morning, accused of 50 breaches of the City of St. John’s Act.
This is very much deja vu for the Pettens, otherwise known as numbered company 91640 Newfoundland and Labrador Incorporated.
Last week, the city closed the park and gave everyone 48 hours to leave, citing a raft of serious safety issues involving risk of fire and electrocution, overflowing garbage, septic concerns, and crumbling shacks.
VOCM News has requested an update on the order to vacate from the city.
(VOCM news)
But this is not the first rodeo for the Pettens, who faced similar problems back in 2018, when the city shut down the park for the same reasons.
That situation was resolved within a week and the park was reopened.
But people have continued to use it year-round, converting old trailers into makeshift homes, leading to a repeat of seven years ago.
This morning, Jeff Petten appeared in court on behalf of Cliff Petten, who faces 15 charges himself related to the park which he’s leasing from the province.
They have not retained a lawyer, but a city solicitor told the court there’s a lot of disclosure, or evidence, still to come.
Judge Harold Porter advised the Pettens to get a lawyer, and the matter was set over until June 4th to enter pleas to the charges.
