Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW, DANGEROUS BUILDINGS MINUTES OF THE JUNE 24, 2009 MEETING Committee members present: Sofee Noblick, Richard Caron, Andy Zeeman, James Quarto Members not present: Gary Schnip Others present: Jonathan Jacaruso, 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 May 27, 2009 meeting were reviewed. Jim Quarto made a motion to accept the minutes and Rich Caron seconded the motion. All were in favor. . Correspondence: See public comments. Blight updates/concerns: 196-200 Yantic Street (Art Form): Jim Troeger stated that the demolition was completed and the place has been kept clean. 219-231 Central Avenue Jim Troeger stated that he believed they finished backfilling. Andy Zeeman questioned why they needed to do that if they were rebuilding and Jim stated it was so nobody falls into the hole. 60 Broad Street: Jim Troeger stated that last he knew, Ed Martin told him the owner would fix the garage. 57 Twelfth Street: Sofee Noblick stated that the grass has been cut and it is still in foreclosure. Andy Zeeman asked if it is fair that homeowners have to pay fines or do what they are ordered to do when the banks foreclosing on the properties do not. The members then discussed the problems getting the banks to comply, as well as, other towns that were successful in compliance. Jennifer stated that she attended a workshop put on by Ted Phillips regarding same. She stated that she would talk to Ted Phillips about the subject, as well as, perhaps obtain some model ordinances that would help the process. She also stated she would contact various towns to talk about the effectiveness of their ordinances. 77 Chestnut Street: James Troeger stated that he believed the owner never pursued the lawsuit and that he has not heard anything from Michael Driscoll's office. Jennifer Gottlieb asked if the building was secure. Jim stated that the structure was sound but he believed there was a lower window that may be open. He stated he didn't believe the homeless would try to get in because there is no roof for shelter but admitted that kids could gain access and damage the property. He also stated that Joe Loyacano would not board up the property anymore. Jim Troeger stated he would start the citations again. Eminent domain and taking properties for taxes that may have hazardous waste issues was discussed. Jennifer stated that the city was not responsible for those issues in those two instances and that a Phase I study can be done on a property not owned by the city. Sofee Noblick and Jim Quarto stated they would talk to Michael Driscoll about it. Caisse Property, Route 2 Jim Troeger stated he did not have an update but would get one from Ed Martin for the next meeting. Correspondence/Public Comments: Jennifer Gottlieb asked to speak. A copy of a letter from her to Mr. Goldblum awarding him the hazard materials abatement and partial demolition job for 26 Shipping Street was distributed to the Board members, as well as, a letter she sent to the Board members regarding the cleanup of the property. After members reviewed said letters, Jennifer outlined the project's progress since it's inception and also explained the involvement of various agencies, reasoning behind decisions made and goals for the project. She said that any ideas the Board members may have on the project were welcomed. She also told the Board members that if they felt her office could help them with any projects, not to hesitate to contact her and she would help in whatever way she could. Rich Caron made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Sofee seconded the motion. All were in favor and the meeting adjourned at 6:15.