Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW - DANGEROUS BUILDINGS MINUTES Wednesday, April 26, 2017 5:00 PM Committee members present: James Heist, Sofee Noblick, Gary Schnip and Darryl Wickham Committee members absent: Alderman H. Tucker Braddock Jr. and James Quarto Others Present: Alderwoman Stacy Gould, Building Official James Troeger Citizens Present: David Stygar 1. Call to Order: Gary Schnip called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM. 2. Determination of a Quorum: It was determined that a quorum was present. 3. Acceptance of Minutes: On a motion by Jim Heist, seconded by Darryl Wickham, the minutes of March 22, 2017 were unanimously approved as presented. 4. Communications: Gary verified that all committee members have completed the Ethics Training. On a motion by Sofee Noblick, seconded by Jim Heist, the Board of Review voted unanimously to suspend the agenda for a report on 367 Boswell Avenue. David Stygar, 97 Sisson Rd, Lebanon, who is one of three owners of 367 Boswell Avenue, introduced himself. Building Official Jim Troeger reviewed the condition of the property since it was fire damaged years ago. He reported that the city gets occasional complaints about the building. He asked Mr. Stygar about the owners’ plans for the building. Mr. Stygar reported there are no specific plans. He owns the home with his two brothers, Paul and Michael, who are both out of state. The probate case was very recently finalized. He personally takes care of the home. He verified that the roof does leak. A hazardous materials study has been done. Gary suggested giving him a copy of the Blight Ordinance to share with his brothers. Jim Troeger will send a copy of the ordinance to Mr. Stygar via email. 5. Blight updates/concerns: a) 62 North Main Street: Jim T reported that Blight Officer Dan Coley noted there was no improvement. The owner has not presented a milestone timeline. The BOR suggested that blight fines begin. b) 554-556 East Main Street: Jim T reported the case has been rescheduled to go back to court. The owner did meet with City Planner Deanna Rhodes. She suggested he apply for Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies. There is funding available. Sofee explained the funding which was discussed at the Redevelopment Agency. The site is on the brownfield list. c) 337-341 Main Street (YMCA): Jim T reported there are two parties seriously interested. d) 120 McKinley Avenue garage: Jim T reported that Dan sent the owner a letter. e) 26 Elijah Street: Jim T reported there has been a lot of clearing. Alderwoman Gould will follow-up with Attorney Michael Driscoll due to back taxes.  f) 109 Baltic Street: Jim T reported he spoke to Mel Weiss. This building will be demolished in June. 6. Watch List: a) 25 Otrobando Avenue mobile homes: Jim T reported that the mobile homes are still there. The BOR suggested blight fines. Jim T will contact owner Jay Doubleday. 7. Foreclosure in Progress: a) 61 Lincoln Avenue: Alderwoman Gould reported that the property is in foreclosure. There are safety concerns at the property. b) 11 Lake Street: Alderwoman Gould reported that it is city owned as of today. The committee agreed to take a walkthrough Tuesday, May 2nd at 4 PM. c) 29 Boswell Avenue: Alderwoman Gould reported this is still in foreclosure. 8. City Owned Properties a) Reid and Hughes: Alderwoman Gould reported one proposal was submitted. She will follow-up. b) 88-90 Boswell Avenue: Jim T reported there is a pre-bid walkthrough Friday, April 28. c) 270 West Thames Street: Alderwoman Gould reported that Realtor Fred Allen has spoken to three interested parties. Sofee reported that the brownfield funding applies to this property. d) 13 Baltic Street: Alderwoman Gould reported the title issue continues. There is an offer on the property through the realtor. e) 196 Yantic Street (The Artform Building): Jim T reported that City Engineer Pat McLaughlin added a request for the contractor to quote filling the hole left by the building. f) 232 Yantic Street: Jim T reported the bid has been awarded. Permits have been issued. He is waiting for the newspaper legal notice to be placed. 9. Other: a) Public Works Committee (PWC) Report: Alderman Gould reported the PWC there are no new listings. b) 130 Prospect Street: Alderwoman Gould reported that Alderman Braddock is working on it. c) 15 Park Street: Alderwoman Gould reported it is now owned by the city. It has been cleaned up and is listed with the realtor. d) 8 West Town Street: Gary reported the trucks are still there. Jim T will follow up.  e) 29 7th Street: Jim T reported Dan C sent a letter. f) 631 West Main Street: Alderwoman Gould reported it has been conjoined. The curb cut was supposed to be removed. g) 367 Boswell Ave: Previously discussed. h) 646 East Main Street: Jim T reported that Dan C asked them to clean it up and they did cut brush. i) 263 Broadway garage on Crescent St: This has been removed and cleaned up. j) Norwich Hospital Site: Jim T reported that the owner met with City Planner Deanna Rhodes. k) 19 Stonington Road: Alderwoman Gould will check into this. 10. Public Comment: None 11. Next meeting: The next regular meeting is Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at 5 PM. 12. Adjournment: On a motion by Jim Heist, seconded by Sofee Noblick, the Board of Review unanimously adjourned at 6:15 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Melinda Wilson Recording Secretary