BY PAUL MITCHELLNorth Country This Week

CANTON - A Lisbon resident and father of two Canton college students voiced his concerns to the village board Wednesday night about the condition of a rental property one of his daughters was prepared to live in.

Todd Armstrong described the property at 28-30 Park Street during public comment.

“No windows could be opened, there was mold and the wiring was not grounded,” Armstrong stated. “I got sick breathing that stagnant air. The house is not safe to live in.”

He also wondered who is checking the smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.

Armstrong noted his daughter signed a lease in April for $6,100 per year. He said he decided to visit the property in person to check out the condition. He refused to allow his daughter to reside there and she and his sister have since rented an apartment at Liberty Apartments, Riverside Drive, Canton.

“We lost our security deposit,” said Armstrong, who said his attorney is looking into the validity of the lease agreement.

He said he contacted the landlord to express his concerns and seek reimbursement.

“I contacted the landlord and he said he would be updating the wiring in the fall,” he said. “I wanted to bring this to the board’s attention. Down the line inspections should be done once a year.”

“It’s just a concern. I want to avoid a tragedy,” Armstrong said. “Somewhere down the line the village needs to do something for the kids,” he remarked.

The village board did not comment but thanked Armstrong for his comments.