Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW MINUTES OF THE JULY 23, 2008 MEETING Committee members present: Sofee Noblick, Richard Caron, Andy Zeeman, James Quarto Committee members not present: Gary Schnip Others present: Jennifer Gottlieb, James Troeger and Yvette Ysordia The meeting was called to order at 5:35. It was determined there was a quorum. The minutes of the June 25, 2008 and June 20, 2008 meetings were reviewed. Jim Quarto made a motion to accept the June 20, 2008 minutes and Rich Caron seconded the motion. All were in favor. Rich Caron made a motion to accept the June 25, 2008 minutes and Andy Zeeman seconded said motion. All were in favor. Blight updates/concerns: 17 West Town Street: Jim Troeger stated that he spoke to the owner, Wayne Cosentino. He told Jim that the house was condemned by Uncas Health District due to his last tenants breaking the septic system and it was too costly to fix. He also told Jim that he would take the staging down, make the property presentable and keep in touch with regard to future plans for the property. 45 Uncas Street: Jim Troeger stated that Jeremy Booty gave her time to respond to the citation but she did not. She is still being fined. 26 Shipping Street: Jennifer Gottlieb gave all the members a copy of the request for money from the Sachem fund that approved $40,000.00. She also stated that the Board would be receiving a $200,000.00 Brownfield grant for the property. She stated the RDA was going to vote on paying for the structural report on Monday, July 28, 2008. She said they wanted a scope of work, as well as, the report and suggested that in addition to asking them to approve the structural report, we ask that a scope of work be approved. Sofee stated she would advise the RDA of our mutual request for the scope of work, as well as, the structural report at the meeting on Monday. Jennifer also discussed the fact that it would cost more to demolish the buildings on the property than to save them. It was stated that there was petroleum and heavy metal contamination on the property and if the buildings were demolished, the property would not have much value. The work needed to be done to waterproof the property was discussed. The members agreed to ask Gary Schnip to bring the estimate for the roof work he previously requested to the next meeting. 196-200 Yantic Street (Art Form): Jim Troeger advised Jennifer that the owner paid his back taxes but is still being fined. Jennifer stated that at one time the owner asked the City to buy it to develop it into a park. Jennifer also stated that Melissa Olsen had scheduled a meeting to meet with various agencies to see what grants, etc., might be available if the property were to be a park. Vacant Structures: 77 Chestnut Street: Jim Troeger went over the history of the building with blight and safety issues beginning in 2003. He told Jennifer that the building was extremely dangerous and money was needed to rectify the situation but nobody wanted to pay for it. He stated that there is no money in the demolition fund. It was discussed that there should be a revolving demolition fund and that although the Board of Review appealed for one before APED in June of 2007, nothing was ever done. Jennifer stated that the CDBG funds can sometimes be used to help in those situations and that the board should apply. 21 West Thames Street: It was discussed whether or not another auction was held on the property. Jim stated he would confirm whether or not there had been before the next meeting. 751 North Main Street (751 Club): It was stated that Jonathan Jacaruso discussed the matter with Michael Driscoll and Michael advised him that we could not RFP the property without owning it. He advised writing a letter to the Council stating that the Board of Review is aware of two developers interested in the property and recommend that the property be RFP for tax liens. Jim Troeger stated he would write the letter. Homestead Project Close-out-100 Clinton Avenue Jim Troeger stated he spoke to the owner, Paul Butcher, and although he couldn’t make this month’s meeting, he would like to attend the next meeting. Other: 62 North Main Street (Sanctuary of Love): The grass was mowed but the sumac is still overgrown. Route 2-Garage Ed Martin previously advised Jim Troeger a letter went out to the owner about the garage being unsafe. East Main Street-property before Bishop School Ed Martin previously advised Jim Troeger that the owner said he would take the tarp down. Seventh Street: Ed Martin previously advised Jim Troeger that all the cars were registered and no automotive repair was being done. 187 Broad Street: Ed Martin previously advised Jim Troeger that the deadline for a response was not up yet. 69 Twelfth Street: The Upper Greenville NRZ requested that Jim Troeger ask Ed Martin to look at the property because the grass was extremely high. Jim Quarto made a motion to adjourn and Andy Zeeman seconded. The meeting adjourned at 7:30.