Background & Context

Questions surrounding zoning, building permits, and property use have been a recurring topic of discussion in the Town of Conesville.

During these discussions, Robert Giordano made a deliberately exaggerated statement about the possibility of operating a strip club on his front lawn. The remark was intended to illustrate his understanding of the limits of the Town’s authority over private property use, rather than to suggest an actual proposal.

According to Mr. Giordano, the property in question was not subject to local change-of-use permit requirements because the Town has no zoning regulations.

Applicable fire and life-safety requirements, including those relating to places of assembly, had already been addressed by the property owner and the previous building inspector before Mr. Giordano assumed his position as Code Enforcement Officer.

However, upon further review, Mr. Giordano recognized that building permits and inspections are, in fact, required when fire and safety modifications are necessary. He acknowledged this to Mrs. Noone in his building inspector meeting notes dated August 11, 2026, which are part of the public record.

Acknowledging when you are incorrect is a sign of leadership.

Nevertheless, Mr. Giordano was neither the building inspector nor the property owner when 1289 Route 990V was operating as a thrift store. He had no responsibility for the property’s prior use or any actions taken before he assumed ownership.

After subsequently purchasing the property himself, Mr. Giordano submitted a building permit application. He maintains that the application was voluntary and intended to provide additional documentation and transparency amid ongoing questions about the property’s use.

The Correspondence

The following correspondence provides additional context regarding the questions raised about the property, applicable requirements, and Mr. Giordano’s responses.