Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW, DANGEROUS BUILDINGS MINUTES OF THE September 29, 2010 SPECIAL MEETING Committee members present: Chairman Gary Schnip, Sofee Noblick, Jim Quarto, Richard Caron, Andrew Zeeman and Alderman Tucker Braddock. Committee members not present: All were present. Others present: James Troeger, Darlene Fedus-Papineau and Claire Bessette, The Day Newspaper. The meeting was called to order at 5:45. A quorum was present and all members present were voting. Agenda items 1, 2 & 3: The minutes of the August 25, 2010 meeting were reviewed. Upon motion by Tucker Braddock and second by James Quarto, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes as presented. 4. Communications: NONE 5. Blight updates/concerns: 1. 45 Uncas Street: Mr. Troeger has been in contact with Chris Freyer, Corporation Counsel, and was informed that Judge Hendell has not scheduled a trial because a pre-trial has to be re-scheduled first. Mr. Braddock asked if the legal system is aware of how serious and dangerous the condition of this structure is. Mr. Quarto stated he would like to see the PWD erect a fence around the structure to secure and protect the area in the event it falls over in the upcoming months. Mr. Troeger informed the Commission he needs permission from the Court to enter the property. The Commission discussed their frustration with the Court system and the fact that a Structural Engineer, a Fire Chief and a Building Official have all deemed the structure unsafe and an eminent danger and nothing has progressed. 2. 98 Washington Street: The owner, Gloria Woerheide was present at the meeting to give a report to the Commission as to the progress of work that has been completed and what is planned for the upcoming months. A railing has been put up around the porch by Dave Bishop some sections are temporary. The front double doors have been sanded, the window trim in the front has been painted and she has repaired and painted the area around the top of the front bump out so the Tyvek is no longer visible. Mr. Zeeman reminded the property owner that anything-open needs to be secure and that the Commissions main concern is safety and aesthetics. Mr. Bishop informed the Commission that the property owner has done a lot of structural, electrical and plumbing to the house. Ms. Woerheide stated she was upset with the citation that Mr. Martin had sent her. Mr. Troeger informed Ms. Woerheide that this Commission acts independently of the Blight Office and they keep Mr. Martin informed of progress and blight concerns. The Commission stated Page1 of 3  that as long as she is making progress Mr. Martin will be satisfied but the Commission cannot override his decision as he acts independently of this committee. Ms. Woerheide stated the work planned for October as replacing the temporary porch railing with new permanent rails, hand rails put up on the front steps, replacing the 2 missing vertical boards on the south side of the house (edging for siding), replacing missing siding on the 2nd floor area on the south side of house, repair and putty the 2nd floor windows, replacing the treads to the tops of the front steps and staining the front door. She also has work planned for November, weather permitting that included painting the double doors on the third floor in front, painting the trim around the 3rd floor double doors and the portion of the clapboard reachable from the bump-out, temporarily covering the open area above the double doors with painted plywood and replacing the broken glass on the third floor south side window where plywood is now. Mr. Schnip stated that he would like to have a spring schedule of work to be performed and was informed by Ms. Woerheide that she wouldn’t be able to provide that not knowing what her finances would be. 3. 8 West Town Street: Mr. Martin sent a letter to the property owner regarding the tall grass. The property owner stated he would mow the front lawn but not the sides. As far as the status of the fence, Mr. Ellison of NPWD stated since it is a State Road he will not be involved. Mr.Troeger has been trying to contact Anthony Holland from the State of CT DOT. Mr. Holland has not returned any of phone calls. The Commission stated they should put in a request to the State of CT to fix the fence and a copy to the City Manager. 4. 631 North Main Street: It was noted that the property owner owes back taxes in excess of $4000.00 on the property. Ms. Noblick stated there is still garbage behind the building. The Commission would like for Ed Martin to keep an eye on the property. 5. 77 Chestnut Street: Mr. Troeger stated that at a meeting with Mike Driscoll of CC and Alan Bergren it was decided to get prices on boarding up and securing the property after getting permission from City Counsel for the funding. 6. 62 North Main Street: Ms. Noblick passed out pictures of the property to the Commission. The Commission discussed inviting the property owner to the next scheduled meeting of October 27, 2010. The Commission stated the structure is unsafe and Mr. Martin should fine the owner for the broken windows and the open rear of the building. Mr. Troeger reminded the Commission that Mr. Martin is the Blight Officer and not Dangerous Buildings. 7. 196 Yantic Street: The PWD cleaned and boarded up the structure. Mr.Schnip stated there is not much left of the building and the stone structure is sound but the brick is in bad condition and there are environmental issues. Mr. Champagne will contact the National Parks Dept. to apply for grants. Page2 of 3 8. 34 Ford Avenue: This is a grass issue, which is being addressed by Mr. Martin. 9. Public Comments: Ms. Noblick presented the Board with pictures of properties that were of concern in the Greeneville area of town. The properties were: 374 Central Avenue, 60 Sixth Street and 36 Twelfth Street. Mr. Troeger informed the Commission that since they were not blight related he advised them that the complainants should bring their concerns to the City Manager. 10. Agenda Setting and Adjournment: The agenda for the 10/27/2010 meeting was set. Upon motion by Sofee Noblick and second by Tucker Braddock the Committee voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. Page3 of 3