Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW - DANGEROUS BUILDINGS MINUTES Wednesday, December 17, 2014 5:00 p.m. Committee members present: Gary Schnip, Alderwoman Sofee Noblick, Richard A Caron Sr., Andrew Zeeman, Joseph East, James Heist Committee members absent: James M. Quarto Others Present: James Troeger, Building Official; H. Tucker Braddock Jr., Dale Plummer Citizens Present: Denise Relyea - Taftville Neighborhood Watch; Richard Hamar – 241 Broadway property owner; Gloria Warheide – 98 Washington Street property owner & Bob Rands – 98 Washington Street contractor 1. Call to Order: Gary Schnip called the meeting to order at 5:14 PM. 2. Determination of a Quorum: It was determined that a quorum was present. 3. Acceptance of Minutes of October 22, 2014 On a motion by Alderwoman Sofee Noblick, seconded by Richard Caron, the minutes of October 22, 2014 were unanimously approved as presented. 4. Communications – None 5. Blight updates/concerns: 556 East Main Street: James Troeger reported that the owner has purchased another property near there which he hopes to use for parking for 556 East Main Street development. Jim suggests putting some timelines in place for the project. Broadway Barn: Per Jim Troeger, the barn is down and clean-up is slowly progressing. 98 Washington Street: Gloria Warheide gave the Committee an update on the status of exterior restoration. She presented a written plan and a handout which she gave to Committee members. Gary asked that an estimated completion date for each item be added to her table. Gloria noted that many items are weather dependent. Gary Schnip and Andrew Zeeman asked for several specific updates on the house. Gloria supplied the information, indicating which projects were complete and which were still pending. Discussion ensued regarding future use of the property and zoning requirements. The number of stories is a determining factor for some proposed uses. It was decided that Gloria will attend the June 24, 2015, Committee meeting to review significant progress on the house. Further enforcement action is on hold pending satisfactory progress. 130 Prospect: The City of Norwich now owns this property. Sofee reported a neighbor may be interested in purchasing the property. Watch List: 107 - 109 Baltic Street: Jim Troeger reports the property is somewhat maintained. There has been no recent activity or communication with the owner. 16 Fountain Street: Jim Troeger reported that the sale to Ed Belli has closed. The new owner has intentions of repairing the property. 117 Broad Street: Jim Troeger reported that Ed Martin, Blight Control Official, is following up on the property. A letter to the owner is in process. 195 Broad Street: Jim T. will ask Ed Martin for an update. 320 Central Avenue: Per Jim T., citations went out. 241 Broadway: Property owner Richard Hamar spoke to the committee. The roof and porch are still problems that have not been addressed since he last spoke to the Committee. Mr. Hamar reported he got a bid of $25,000 from a contractor for a metal roof. The Committee and Mr. Hamar agreed the roof is the priority. Joseph East and Andrew Zeeman suggested Mr. Hamar investigate the opportunity for rehab funds from Community Development on the third floor of the Union Street building. Discussion ensued regarding processes and actions that both the Committee and Mr. Hamar are responsible to carry out. It was decided that Mr. Hamar will attend the Committee meeting on March 25, 2015 to report the status of the reroofing project and repairs to the property. Vacant Hotel near 395: Per Jim T., the site has been cleaned up. Hale Mill: Jim T. spoke with the owner again today and will continue to follow-up. Storage of vehicles and trailers on-site are violations of Zoning Ordinances and Property Maintenance. 60 6th Street: Per Sofee, this property is not city owned. It is owned by Mary Jane Cieri, Hillsborough NC. Lis Pendens filed. 6. Public Comments: Denise Reylea of Taftville Neighborhood Watch spoke to the Committee about Taftville safety and blight concerns. 70 ½ Hunters Ave: Denise reported trash cans are being left in the street and causing a hazard. Jim T. reported he has spoken to Ed Martin. The property owner, Doug York, has been sent a letter. 78 Merchants Ave: Denise noted there is a large hole in front of the house. Joe East will send a letter to the Nation Star Mortgage LLS, Louisville TX, owner of record. 480-490 block on Norwich Avenue: Denise raised concerns regarding the property. Jim T. reported he has met with the buyer who intends to rehab the structure. He will check into the status of the purchase. Amazing Furniture: Denise raised concerns about a dumpster behind Amazing Furniture which is full to overflowing. Jim T. will investigate and refer to Ed Martin. 1-2 South B Street: Denise reported a problem at Joe Radicki’s business. A port-o-toilet has tipped over. Jim T. will act on the report. 7. Other: 109-111 Merchants Avenue: Jim T. reported blight conditions. This property is a foreclosure by Mellon Bank as of 12/5/12. Nothing has been done since. The taxes are paid. Discussion ensued regarding citing Mellon Bank. Otrobando Avenue Garage: Richard Caron brought the property to the Committee’s attention. Sofee updated the Committee on a meeting between the Norwich Public Works Committee and a real estate agent. The Public Works Committee gave the realtor a list of properties. He will come back to the Public Works Committee with property values. Discussion ensued regarding giving the realtor more city-owned properties to value, list and sell. Sofee also updated the Committee on the Hyde Landscape project which is still in process. Brandon Hyde is ready to go on maintenance. Sofee informed the Committee that the Wonder Bar owner has passed away. Her properties may be in flux for a time. Andrew inquired about 631 East Main Street. Gary noted it has been cleaned up but the two parcels are not yet combined. The curb cut is being determined. Gary will ask for a time frame. 8. Next meeting – the next regularly scheduled meeting is Wednesday, January 28, 2015 9. Adjournment: On a motion by Sofee Noblick, seconded by Andrew Zeeman, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:58 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Melinda Wilson Recording Secretary