Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 10, 2008 SPECIAL MEETING Committee members present: Gary Schnip, Sofee Noblick, Richard Caron, Andy Zeeman, James Quarto Others present: Jonathan Jacaruso, James Troeger and Yvette Ysordia The meeting was called to order at 5:05. It was determined there was a quorum. The minutes of the October 22, 2008 meeting were reviewed. Gary Schnip made a motion to accept the minutes and Sofee Noblick seconded the motion. All were in favor. Blight updates/concerns: 17 West Town Street: Jim Troeger stated that he spoke with Mr. Cosentino a few days ago and he advised Jim he would take down the staging. The problem with the sewer hookup was discussed and Andy Zeeman stated that the owner should talk to an engineer about it and not just the Uncas Health District, who advised him it could not be done. Jim Troeger stated he would mention it to Mr. Cosentino. 26 Shipping Street: The durability of the tarp that was placed on the roof was discussed and Jim Quarto stated he would check it out to see how it is holding up. It was stated that Jennifer Gottlieb is interested in having it named a historic structure, which would qualify it for historic tax credits. It was discussed that the Board of Review members disagree with that plan as they felt it would greatly limit the pool of potential developers because historic renovations are so much more costly. They felt that it being a factory building, there is not much chance of it being a historic renovation anyway. The Board still believes that without the historic designation, the “clearstories” could be removed, thereby reducing the cost of the new roof. The Board also believes that the roof shingles can be removed with the environmental money, again, reducing the cost of the new roof. The Board also stated that that the roof shingles can be removed with the environmental money, again reducing the cost of the roof. The question of who is exactly in charge of this project was also discussed and that perhaps the City Council should make that decision. Jonathan Jacaruso stated he would discuss the matter with Alan Bergren. The Board of Review members agreed they only want to eliminate negative values to make the property more attractive to a developer and give input as to the best way to do that with the available funds. Jim stated there was a person interested in the property but was unsure what his responsibility would be as to cleanup. Jonathan Jacaruso stated that the city would want to clean up the property prior to transferring it. Rich Caron stated he also knew of somebody who may be interested in the property that is involved with a program for released felons. 196-200 Yantic Street (Art Form): Jim Troeger stated that he requested that this matter be put on the City Council agenda over a month ago. Until that happens, the deteriorated overhang from the structure cannot be removed. Jonathan Jacaruso stated he would look into it and the Board requested that Jonathan remind Alan that the Board recommends that the tax lien be RFP’d instead of auctioned. Vacant Structures: 751 North Main Street (751 Club): Jim Troeger stated that he wrote Alan Bergren a letter requesting that a tax auction be held on this property and Alan advised Jim to speak to Joe Ruffo. Joe Ruffo advised Jim that they prefer not to hold tax auctions on property. Jim relayed Joe’s response to Alan Bergren and Alan stated he would talk to him. No action has taken place since. Jonathan Jacaruso said he would discuss the matter with Alan Bergren. . 21 West Thames Street: Jim Troeger stated the only options available for this property are to auction the property again, change the assessment and RFP it or demolish it. Jonathan Jacaruso stated he would talk to the Alan Bergren about it. Caisse Property, Route 2, Joe Caisse’s property The condition of the property was discussed. Other: Sachem Fund: It was discussed that the distribution of this fund may change. Jonathan Jacaruso stated that he would like to see more funds go towards economic development and hopefully in the future, the City would see some return from the distribution. Demolition/Blight funds Jim Troeger stated that it cost almost $30,000.00 to demolish the building at 219-231 Central Avenue. He stated that some of the cost might have been high due to the fact that the equipment was present on the property while the fire was still being investigated. He also stated the amount did not include any kind of cleanup. BOR Dangerous Building Calendar of Meetings for 2009. The calendar was reviewed and the members decided to have a meeting on December 2, 2009 and that they would not have a meeting in November. Gary made a motion to accept the 2009 calendar with that change and Sofee seconded the motion. All were in favor. Sofee made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Rich Caron seconded the motion. All were in favor and the meeting adjourned at 5:45.