Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW - DANGEROUS BUILDINGS MINUTES Wednesday, February 18, 2015 5:00 PM Special Meeting Committee members present: Gary Schnip, Alderwoman Sofee Noblick, Joseph East, James Quarto, H. Tucker Braddock, Jr. Committee members absent: Richard Caron, Sr., Andrew Zeeman Others Present: James Troeger, Building Official, James Heist, Dale Plummer Citizens Present: None 1. Call to Order: Gary Schnip called the meeting to order at 5:35 PM. 2. Determination of a Quorum: It was determined that a quorum was present. 3. Acceptance of Minutes of December 17, 2014: Gary Schnip noted that James Heist needs to be moved to ‘others present’. On a motion by Joe East, seconded by Sofee Noblick, the minutes of December 17, 2014 were unanimously approved as amended. 4. Communications: The Committee received a letter of resignation from Andrew Zeeman. On February 18, 2015, he resigned effective immediately from Board of Review, School Street, Fountain Street, and Chestnut Street Committees. The Committee members expressed appreciation for Andrew’s years of dedicated service. 5. Blight updates/concerns: a. 11 Lake Street (fire damaged): James Troeger noted the fire occurred in 2013. Owner Jean Corielis had no insurance on the property at the time of the fire. City property taxes have not been paid since the fire and total more than $8,000. The City of Norwich is foreclosing on the property, per Attorney Michael Driscoll. Jim feels the three-family building is repairable, although he has not been in the building since the time of the fire. Currently it is definitely a blighted building. Sofee Noblick noted the assessed value of the property pre-fire was $36,800. b. 46 School Street (fire damage): James Troeger noted the fire damage on this property occurred about 6 months ago. He had talked with owner in the past and she was waiting for insurance to be finalized. He spoke with her today and she has intentions to demolish the building. Jim has not seen the interior. Tucker Braddock inquired as to the allowable timeframe to clean-up a property after a fire. No one on the Committee was aware of a specific time limit although they agreed 180 days  should be enough time. Sofee noted the pre-fire assessed value of the property was $64,500. Discussion ensued regarding priority of liens and where blight liens fall in priority. c. 167 Broadway Barn: James Troeger has had talks with owner but all work has ceased. When weather breaks, he will call her again. d. 556 East Main Street: Gary Schnip noted the sidewalk has not been cleared of snow this winter. James Troeger says progress on this property is weather dependent. There has been no progress. e. 218 Washington Street: James Troeger spoke to Attorney Michael Driscoll regarding this property. Attorney Driscoll indicated that Chelsea Groton Bank is foreclosing on the property. Jim noted there are several parties interested. Vultures roost on the roof which causes complaints. Jim will wait until Chelsea Groton takes ownership before pursuing the vulture issue. He hopes to report activity at the Committee next meeting. Watch List: a. 16 Fountain Street: James Troeger noted this is property has been cleaned out by Ed Belli. Jim will check where Ed is with permitting b. 195 Broad Street: James Troeger verified the ownership of the property. Progress is unknown due to the weather. A tree hit fell on the building during one of the winter storms. c. 241 Broadway: James Troeger reported that owner Richard Hamar hired a contractor to repair a portion of the roof. He pulled a permit. Richard is due to come back to Board of Review on March 25, 2015 to report progress. d. Hale Mill, Yantic: James Troeger reported that the trailers are still parked up the street. He referred some of the issues to Tianne Curtis, Zoning Enforcement Official. Jim has sent a letter to the owner but nothing has been done. He read letter to the Committee, which included giving the owner options for placing the tanks and vehicles. There has been no contact from owner since the letter was sent. The Committee agreed that Jim will start citations. e. 34 Lake Street Garage (City owned): Sofee Noblick noted this property is on the list to be sold by the realtor, Fred Allen. James Troeger reported the walls sound but roof fell in. 6. Public Comments: None 7. Other: a. CDBG Demolition Funds Available: James Troeger had an informal conversation with Gary Evans, Community Development Supervisor. CDBG funding could be  available to demolish buildings if it improved neighborhoods. Theoretically, either the new owner or the City could apply for the funds. James Heist suggested Jordan’s could apply for Fountain Street. The Committee agreed. b. 362 North Main Street (City owned): Sofee Noblick noted this property is on the list to be sold by Fred Allen. c. Johnson Home & 8 West Town Street: James Troeger reported that the fences are not repaired. Jim will follow-up. 8. Next meeting: The next regularly scheduled meeting is Wednesday, March 25, 2015, 5 PM. 9. Adjournment: On a motion by Sofee Noblick, seconded by James Quarto, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:09 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Melinda Wilson Recording Secretary