Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW - DANGEROUS BUILDINGS MINUTES Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 5:00 PM Committee members present: Chair Gary Schnip, Alderwoman Stacy Gould, Tucker Braddock and Darryl Wickham Committee members absent: James Heist and James Quarto Others Present: Building Official James Troeger and Blight Officer Brittany Williams 1. Call to Order: Chair Gary Schnip called the meeting to order at 5:15 PM. 2. Determination of a Quorum: It was determined that a quorum was present. 3. Acceptance of Minutes: On a motion by Tucker Braddock, seconded by Alderwoman Gould, the minutes of the March 27, 2019 meeting of the Board of Review (BOR) were approved as presented. 4. Public Comment: None 5. Communications: None 6. Blight updates/concerns: a) 62 North Main Street: No change. b) 554-556 East Main Street: Jim T reported that owner has not complied with the agreement. The attorneys for the City and owner are in discussions. c) Jordan’s Retaining Wall: Discussion ensued. It was decided that Jim T will issue a letter to the owner citing the issues with the wall and potential actions to be taken. d) 38 West Main Street, Marina Towers: No change. e) 61 Lincoln Avenue: No change. Alderwoman Gould will contact Jeff Brining at NPU. f) 87 5th Street: Blight Officer Brittany Williams reported that Uncas Health District is involved. It was secured after she contacted DPW. g) 34-36 Slater Avenue: No change. 7. Watch List: a) 231 Broadway: Britt noticed there was some improvement last week but work has halted again. b) 6 Huntington Avenue (storage structure): No change. c) 253 Broadway: Britt reported the bank that holds the mortgage contacted the city for a copy of the violation notice. The notice was supplied to the bank. d) 241 Broadway: Building Official Jim Troeger reported that there is continued progress on the exterior.  e) 337 – 341 Main Street (YMCA): No change. Alderwoman Gould will contact DPW regarding securing the building. f) 7 Woodlawn Terrace: No change. Alderwoman Gould reported that taxes have not been paid since 2014. She will contact Attorney Driscoll’s office. 8. Foreclosure in Progress: a) 29 Boswell Avenue: No update. b) 26 Elijah Street: No update. c) 31-33 Cliff Street: No update. d) 62 Plain Hill Road: No update. 9. City Owned Properties: a) 270 West Thames Street: No change. b) 13 Baltic Street: No update. Alderwoman Gould will call Fred Allyn’s office. c) 11 Lake Street: Alderwoman Gould reported that a buyer is potentially interested in this property. The RFP for demolition has been put on hold. Jim T will talk to the potential buyer. d) 482-492 Norwich Avenue: Alderwoman Gould reported that the property is in the process of being sold. e) 43 Fountain Street: Alderwoman Gould reported that the property is in the process of being sold. f) 504 East Main Street: Alderwoman Gould will call Jeff Brining at NPU. g) 702 New London Turnpike: No change. h) 23 Whitaker: No change. Jim T will check on the property. i) 212 Prospect Street (NPU): Alderwoman Gould will call Jeff Brining at NPU. j) 36 Huntington Avenue: No update. 10. Other: a) 41 Boswell Avenue: Britt reported this was sent for foreclosure by the City. A tree fell and damaged the roof and front porch. Two vehicles on the property are unregistered. This should be added to the Foreclosures in Progress List. Greg Arpin originally condemned this property. b) 534-536 North Main Street: This has been with the city’s attorney for foreclosure. Attorney Aimee Wickless estimates the foreclosure will take another four months.  c) Public Works Committee (PWC) Report: No report. d) Committee Priorities and Format: Blight Officer Brittany Williams reported that the review of the next round of properties for disposition is beginning. The City Council is considering $500,000 for demolition as a proposed line item in the FY20 capital budget. Discussion ensued regarding the agenda format. It was decided that the agenda for the BOR should read similar to the agendas for the subcommittees. Melinda will make this adjustment starting next month. e) Baltic Road: Tucker brought this to the committee’s attention. Discussion ensued about a garage on this road. Britt will follow-up. f) 16 Falls Avenue (Watershed Building): Tucker brought this to the committee’s attention. Alderwoman Gould will contact Attorney Driscoll’s office. 11. Next meeting: The next regular meeting will be Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 5 PM. 12. Adjournment: On a motion by Tucker Braddock, seconded by Alderwoman Gould, the Board of Review unanimously adjourned at 6:36 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Melinda Wilson Recording Secretary