Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW - DANGEROUS BUILDINGS MINUTES Wednesday, May 27, 2015 5:00 PM Committee members present: Richard Caron, Sr., Alderwoman Sofee Noblick, James Quarto, James Heist, Joseph East Committee members absent: Gary Schnip, H. Tucker Braddock Others Present: James Troeger: City of Norwich Building Official, Ed Martin: City of Norwich Blight Officer Citizens Present: Brent Devine, Claire Bessette 1. Call to Order: Alderwoman Noblick called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM. 2. Determination of a Quorum: It was determined that a quorum was present. 3. Acceptance of Minutes of April 22, 2015: On a motion by Joe East, seconded by Jim Heist, the minutes of April 22, 2015 were unanimously approved. 4. Communications: James Troeger reported no communications. 5. Blight updates/concerns: a. 46 School Street (fire damage): Jim Troeger stopped at the property today but no one was there. A neighbor said the owners are working on abatement. b. 556 East Main Street: Jim Troeger reported the owner has been in touch with NPU, so Fawn Walker had a phone number for him. Jim spoke with the owner who said he has an architect and a surveyor working to get an accurate description of the property in order to come up with the parking design. The Committee members agreed they would like a project schedule. Jim Troeger will invite him to next meeting. c. 130 Prospect Street: Sofee Noblick reported that a demolition contract will be awarded on June 4, 2015. d. 15 Park Street: Jim Troeger noted this has been going on for years. The structure has been torn down to first floor level and left in that condition. A letter has been sent. Jim called the owner last Wednesday and explained that citations will begin for every violation. Ed Martin noted that blight enforcement has started. The citation has already been sent. The thirty day waiting period is on process.  e. 218 Washington Street: Jim Troeger reported that he has spoken with the City’s Counsel, Attorney Michael Driscoll. The blight directive has been sent. The property has accrued over $30,000 in fines since the fire. Chelsea Groton Bank holds the mortgage. The property taxes have not been paid since the fire. The Committee decided to move aggressively. Jim was instructed to speak to Attorney Driscoll and convey the intent of the Committee. The blight liens will go into effect at the end of the 30 days. Watch List: a. 16 Fountain Street: Jim Troeger spoke with the owner. He said he will clean up the yard and then he will start working on the building. Per Committee discussion, if nothing happens in a week, Ed Martin will get involved. b. 195 Broad Street: Richard Caron reported there is a new roof. c. 34 Lake Street Garage (City owned): It is listed with the realtor, Fred Allen. d. 11 Lake Street (fire damaged): Jim Troeger reported no change. e. Reid and Hughes: Jim Quarto got an update from Jason Vincent. He said the Heritage Group is making good progress. They have had some calls on the property. Jim Troeger reported he was in there two weeks ago and there is no visible additional deterioration from the previous monthly inspection. f. 8 West Town Street Fence and Johnson Home: Jim Troeger said the Johnson Home side has been repaired. Bob Allen’s side has not. Ed said there is a beautiful fence in front of the house, so suggests Bob will complete the fence. g. 167 Broadway Barn: Jim Troeger reported it has been taken down and cleaned up. h. 241 Broadway: The 12’x12’ roof section has been done. Joe East noted the porch has been cut back. Jim Troeger will invite the owner to the June Committee meeting. 6. Public Comments: 7. Other: a. List of City Owned Properties: Sofee reported the first City-owned property was sold. The decision was made to lower the price of the condo. The land properties are being put up for sale with the realtor in the next round. Sofee will get the Committee a list of the City-owned properties for sale. Ed Martin asked that the City maintain their properties. Sofee said the Hyde contract goes through Barry Ellison at DPW. Ed can let Barry know of specific properties that  need maintenance. Barry can authorize the work through the contract with Hyde. b. Otrobando Barns (corner of NL Tpke): This will be added to the Watch List. c. 320 Central Ave: Ed Martin is working on it. d. 87 5th Street: Sofee reported the back yard is full. e. 60 6th Street: Sofee reported the building has broken windows, tall grass, and chipped paint. This will be added to the Watch List. f. 23 Pearl Street: Joe East reported on this property. Ed Martin will issue blight citations. g. 89 Union Street: Joe East reported on this property. Ed is aware of the condition of the property and will issue a letter. h. 10 6th Street: Sofee reported that people were at the property today removing debris. This is a big improvement. 8. Next meeting: The next regularly scheduled meeting is Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at 5 PM. 9. Adjournment: On a motion by Jim Quarto, seconded by Richard Caron, Sr., it was unanimously voted to adjourn the Board of Review at 6:08 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Melinda Wilson Recording Secretary