Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 27, 2008 MEETING Committee members present: Gary Schnip, Sofee Noblick, Richard Caron, Andy Zeeman, James Quarto, Ed Martin Others present: Jonathan Jacaruso, James Troeger and Yvette Ysordia The meeting was called to order at 5:30. It was determined there was a quorum. The minutes of the July 23rd meeting were reviewed. Rich Caron made a motion to accept the July ??, 2008 minutes and Sofee Noblick seconded the motion. All were in favor. All were in favor. Blight updates/concerns: 17 West Town Street: Ed Martin stated that only part of the staging was down. Jim Troeger stated that he has not heard anything further from the owner. It was discussed how hard the property would be able to sell with the expense of sewer hookup. 45 Uncas Street: Jim Troeger stated the next step would be to start a foreclosure on the property. 26 Shipping Street: The RDA signed the contract for the structural engineer study. Sofee stated that the roof and the sheathing would not be a repair but a replacement and that Jennifer Gottlieb would check to see if we could get funds from the CDBG. The Board hopes to have a report by CLA by the next meeting. 196-200 Yantic Street (Art Form): Ed Martin stated the owner is still being fined and has not responded to the citations. The meeting Melissa Olsen had regarding various forms of funding for a park on the property was discussed. Jonathan Jacaruso stated that Chief Scandariato had concerns about the safety of the property and Jim Troeger agreed with those concerns but stated that without funds, nothing could be done about it. Jim Troeger stated he would look at the property again on Friday. Jonathan stated that there is a resolution pending for $300,000 in demolition funds. Jim Troeger stated that he sent a letter to Alan Bergren asking that a revolving demolition fund be set up wherein, a percentage of citation fees be put into the account so there were always be money in the account when needed and the Board would not need to keep asking for more funds. Other members stated they were in agreement with that request. Vacant Structures: 77 Chestnut Street: Jim Troeger stated that the owner did fence in the property and that although his immediate concerns were addressed, long-term concerns were not addressed. He stated that it is likely more pieces of the building might fall into the adjoining property owner’s yard. Ed Martin stated he was pretty sure the adjoining owner was selling the property. It was also stated that the weeds and brush on the property needed to be cut. 21 West Thames Street: After a discussion about no bids being made on the property, Jonathan Jacaruso stated he would get the facts together as to what efforts have been made to sell the property and then ask the council to RFP it on the basis of said facts. 751 North Main Street (751 Club): Ed Martin stated that another homeless camp has been set up there. . Homestead Project Close-out-100 Clinton Avenue Paul Butcher did not attend the meeting and the Board agreed that a final walk through was needed. It was agreed that he would be invited to the next meeting and Yvette would inquire about the details of the money that was being held by the City. . Other: 62 North Main Street (Sanctuary of Love): The owner was fined for the overgrown grass. 69 Twelfth Street: Ed Martin stated the owners were being fined but they have not responded and the property is in foreclosure. Drake property: The back of the building was discussed as being unsafe and Jim Troeger agreed to take a look at it. Carol Street and Washington Street It was discussed that a complaint was made about the bushes being overgrown and that people who regularly walk by the property cannot walk on the sidewalk because of it. Ed Martin stated he would contact the owner. Central Avenue property across from New England Glass Ed Martin was advised that the hedge is overgrown. Foreclosures: Sofee stated she attended the seminar put on by the Uncas Health District about foreclosures. She stated that she learned there was a statute passed in another state that enabled the Property Maintenance Code to be attached to tax liens. She stated that if the same thing could be enacted by an ordinance, many of our problems with regard to having no money to deal with certain blight problems, could be solved. She told the members she would send the information she had on the subject to everyone. RDA Meeting: Sofee, now a member of the RDA, stated that the RDA was looking for a smaller area of redevelopment and did anyone have any suggestions. After discussion, it was agreed that lower Boswell to Lake Street and around to Broad was a good suggestion. Public Comments: A gentleman named Vinciente Verrazzano, spoke about raising the 12,000.00 assessment rule to allow more properties to be homesteaded. The Board advised him he needs to speak to the Charter Revision Committee about that. He also spoke about wanting to get involved and helping the Committee in any way he could. He stated he knew trades people who were out of work that might be able to help, etc. Jim Quarto made a motion to adjourn and Andy Zeeman seconded. The meeting adjourned at 6:50.  FAIRLAWN COMMITTEE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 27, 2008 MEETING Committee members present: Gary Schnip, Sofee Noblick, Richard Caron, James Quarto, Ed Martin Others present: Brian Orowson, Andy Zeeman, James Troeger and Yvette Ysordia The meeting was called to order at 5:05 p.m. It was determined there was a quorum. The Board asked Brian if he was done yet and Brian stated he just had a day’s worth of work left. They asked him when he would be done and stated by Friday. It was agreed that there would be a walk through on Friday at 9:00 a.m.and that the meeting would be suspended until then. The meeting reconvened at 9:00 a.m. and the Board determined that Mr. Orowson had completed the work on the house according the agreement. The members advised Mr. Orowson they would release do what was necessary to release his money as soon as they could. The meeting adjourned at ???