Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 25, 2009 MEETING Committee members present: Gary Schnip, Sofee Noblick, Richard Caron, Andy Zeeman and James Quarto Others present: Jonathan Jacaruso, Jennifer Gottlieb, James Troeger, Yvette Ysordia and Kathleen Murphy. The meeting was called to order at 5:05. It was determined there was a quorum. The minutes of the December 10, 2008 special meeting were reviewed. Jim Quarto made a motion to accept the minutes and Sofee Noblick seconded the motion. All were in favor. Blight updates/concerns: 26 Shipping Street: Jennifer stated that she wanted to address the minutes of the last meeting. She said that the City is looking for a cohesive plan regarding not only the property, but also the area surrounding the property. She stated that goal would exclude some previously suggested ideas such as using the facility for a released felon program. Jennifer also stated that the building is not historical. Gary Schnip then asked who is in charge of this project. Jonathan Jacaruso stated that he never got an answer to that question but that the agencies involved should just communicate with each other to get the project done. Jennifer stated that the roof was all set and the money was coming from the Sachem Fund. Gary Schnip asked Jennifer who told her to apply for the funds. Jennifer stated that nobody told her to apply for funds. She said that as the Assistant City Manager working with the City Manager and for the City's interests, it is something she didn't feel she needed permission to do. She stated that she has a lot of experience with grants and was an architect for many years. Jim Quarto stated that the board has been doing this for many years and that their input can be valuable to this project. Jonathan Jacaruso told Jennifer that all her efforts in obtaining money and overseeing the project are appreciated but the Board would like to be notified of what she is doing, as well as, asked for input on various matters. The conversation then returned to the roof. Jim Quarto questioned whether having the roof redone in the near future was a good idea, never mind having it done at all. He stated that an interested developer might want to do the roof themselves for various reasons, such as, adding an addition to the building. Andy Zeeman stated that if he were a developer interested in the property, he would be more interested in whether the cleanup was done, not if it had a new roof. It was questioned as to why the roof needed to be done if the integrity of structure was said to be sound. Jennifer stated that the study stated the integrity of the building was good but it needed to be weather tight. She said that the roof was non-functional, any weather getting into it while the tarps are on it would hurt the integrity and that there should not be any controversy over the roof being done. The Board felt they could save money by eliminating the clearstories; however; the roofer told Jennifer it would not save any money. Jennifer stated that she would like to save them. She also said that they are working on bid projects. Jennifer stated that a professional environmentalist and architect have been hired to do the demolitions on the property. Members questioned exactly what that entailed and for what amount. Jennifer stated that the grant was for $200,000.00, the professional's fees would be approximately 32,000.00 and the rest would go towards the demolition and cleanup. The demolition package would include demolition of the auxiliary buildings but not the foundations, as they are to be kept in place to cap the HazMAT. Members questioned whether those buildings should be demolished and Jennifer stated that they needed to come down because of their condition. Members also questioned the safety of the elevator shaft if someone were to get into the building and what would be done with the windows. Jennifer stated that the City does not have a duty to trespassers to keep the inside safe. Jennifer advised the members that they could see the details of the professional environmentalist's proposal on the city's website and that she would try to get money from the city to secure the building properly which would include the windows. She said if the city was not willing to do that, she would get an estimate of the costs to secure the building and then try to apply for another grant to get the money. She stated she received a flyer about some type of metal to cover the windows and would look into the costs for that, as well as, fencing the entire property. She also stated that there is an informational meeting before the City Council meeting on March 1, 2009 with regard to the proposal. The members stated that if the proposal did not include sealing up the windows, doing so should be a priority. Gary Schnip questioned the environmental problems under the ground of the buildings. Jennifer stated that since the main building would be used, that would not be a concern. As to the other buildings, it was the plan to cap them by making a parking area for the building. It was discussed that in capping the ground contamination, soil would be removed and replaced so as not to change the level since it is in a flood plain. Jonathan Jacaruso stated that he was concerned that demolishing all the buildings and doing further work besides cleanup would narrow down the number of prospective buyers. Jennifer stated that the RDA wanted to develop the property in a certain way and then bring in prospective developers. She also stated that further funds may be able to be obtained because of the property’s Brownfield status. Jennifer then asked the members if they would be willing to co-sign an application for funds to repoint the face of the building from the Sachem Fund. Members questioned whether this was needed because the integrity of the building is fine, the roof is tarped and would soon be replaced. Jennifer stated that any elements coming into the building can affect the integrity of the building and by repointing a portion of the building, it would protect that integrity. Jonathan Jacaruso stated that he felt the reroofing of the building would be enough to protect the integrity. The members felt securing the building and cleaning up the site should be a priority over masonry. Jennifer stated that these funds could not go towards either of those things but could be obtained towards the masonry. She stated that there was only about 219,000.00 left in the Sachem Fund and it probably would not be refunded next year. Jonathan Jacaruso stated that perhaps Jennifer might want to apply for funds towards another project instead. Sofee stated that unless the property was cleaned up, a bank might not give a mortgage to a prospective buyer, particularly in these times. Jennifer stated that if the money was available for the masonry work, the application should be filed. The Board decided they did not want make a decision on co-signing the application until they had time to think about it and review the proposal on the demolitions and cleanup. A motion was made to have a special meeting on March 10, 2009 at 5:30 to discuss the demolition proposal and the application for the masonry work. Sofee brought up the plan to develop the area and stated that there were about six properties surrounding the area. Eminent domain was brought up and Jennifer said that had not been discussed. Andy Zeeman stated that he knew of at least one property owner who would be a hard sell. Jim Quarto questioned if this project was just too big and involved and perhaps it should be RFP'd. Jonathan Jacaruso stated that there is no reason the city should not at least try to market it first. Jim questioned what exactly is the Board of Review's role in this project. Jennifer stated that it was to discuss options and give input. She also stated that construction costs are low right now so if things needed to be done, this was a good time to do it. Gary Schnip disagreed with her, stating that the same wages have to be paid. 21 West Thames Street : At the agenda setting of the last council meeting, Jennifer Gottlieb had added this matter on the agenda for demolition funds. Jonathan was not aware this was being put on the agenda and had the matter removed. He spoke to Michael Driscoll about this property and the 751 North Main Street property. The Board of Review wants to be allowed to dispose of the 21 West Thames Street property through the homestead program similar to the Fairlawn project. Jonathan also discussed with Michael Driscoll, the fact that the Board wanted to RFP the 751 North Main Street property for tax liens. Both matters will be introduced as resolutions on an agenda of an upcoming City Council meeting. Prior to that, Jonathan will ask Michael Driscoll to meet with Sofee Noblick and Gary Schnip to be sure that there are stipulations to both resolutions. Communications: Fire Chief Scandariato sent a list of "Do Not Enter" buildings to the Board for Review. The board members reviewed the list but were unsure as to how the chief wanted them to act on it. A motion was made by Jonathan Jacaruso to invite the chief to the next meeting and Sofee Noblick seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous. 196 Yantic Street: This item was on the last council meeting agenda and Chief Scandariato stated that he did not want to clean up the property and set a precedent for other property owners who do the same thing. There was nobody there from the Board of Review to explain the details of why the cleanup was necessary. The matter was continued to the next council meeting. It was agreed that the Board would ask Ed Martin to attend said meeting. 17 West Town Street: The scaffolding has not been removed and Jim stated that he left Mr. Cosentino a message but Mr. Cosentino did not return the call. Andy Zeeman stated that he was interested in buying the scaffolding so he would call Mr. Cosentino. Jim stated he would give Andy the number. 219-231 Central Avenue: This property was discussed with regard to the cleanup. It was stated that the owner is waiting for the insurance company to pay and that it is believed he wants to rebuild. It was also stated that there might be someone interested in buying the property. Other: Wightman Avenue: Jonathan asked if someone could look into the property that has had a pod outside of it for close to a year now. Jim Troeger stated that he would have Paulette Craig or Ed Martin look into it. Public Comments: Kathleen Murphy wanted to speak to the Board about the Shipping Street property. She stated that is was clear that there was a lack of communication between Jennifer Gottlieb and the Board. She asked why all agencies and/or individuals are not notified of activities regarding the development of the property. She also wondered if the Harbor Master should be involved in this project. Gary Schnip asked to speak and stated that from the very beginning of this project, the Board asked everyone who might have any interest at all in this project, if they had any objections to the Board pursing it. Nobody had an interest and the Board was told to pursue it. He stated that the Board's goal was to bring the property value to zero in order to develop it and has previously asked that they be notified of actions being considered and/or taken. Kathleen then stated that the last she knew, the roof was secure with the tarps and that was all that would be done with the roof for now. She was unaware of funds to reroof it. She also stated that she has researched "capping" and that it is not fool proof. She stated there is no guarantee there will not be leaks and that capping should be continuous. She also stated that there should be full disclosure of the hazards when marketing the property and the Board assured her there would be. She also agreed that a bank would probably not grant a loan to a developer unless the property was cleaned up. There was a motion to adjourn made by Sofee Noblick and seconded by Andy Zeeman. All were in favor and the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.