Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW - DANGEROUS BUILDINGS MINUTES Wednesday, July 24, 2019, 5:00 PM Committee members present: Chair Gary Schnip, Tucker Braddock, James Heist, James Quarto and Darryl Wickham Committee members absent: Alderwoman Stacy Gould Others Present: Building Official James Troeger and Blight Officer Brittany Williams 1. Call to Order: Chair Gary Schnip called the meeting to order at 5:08 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 James Quarto, the minutes of the June 26, 2019 meeting of the Board of Review (BOR) were unanimously approved as presented. 4. Public Comment: None 5. Communications: None 6. Dangerous Buildings and Blight Concerns: 19 North Cliff Street: Jim Troeger reported that Laurie Cavanaugh again asked to have the water turned on. An agreement has been reached with the City of Norwich to turn the water on for three days. Jim Q reported that the water had been turned on previously. He also reported that a lien has been placed on the property by a subcontractor. Attorney Driscoll said the lien can transfer with the property. The committee decided to do a walk-through of the property. Once Jim T has completed a satisfactory final inspection, he will notify Jim Q that a special meeting can be called for the walk-through. McKinley Avenue: Gary Schnip noted there is a burned out home there. Jim T reported it is posted to be taken down. 702 New London Turnpike: On a motion by Jim Heist, seconded by Jim Q, the BOR unanimously voted to recommend to the City Council to authorize the city manager to negotiate transfer of the property to the abutter. 98 Washington Street: Tucker reported that he spoke to Gloria Warheide. She reported concerns about taking care of the property. This is the historic Cassidy House. Blight Officer Williams reported she stopped to post notices and spoke to her, as well. Taxes are past due. Norwich Grange: Britt spoke to organization. There is a potential buyer for the property. 11 Lake Street: Jim T reported that the RFP for demolition will be issued. 15 Broad Street: Jim Q reported that 12 vehicles are present and many seem unregistered. 6 White Plains Road: Jim Q brought this to the committee’s attention. Britt reported that the owners are aware of the problem and are actively working on it. 308 Washington Street: Britt spoke to the lienholder, Peoples Bank. The bank has recently paid back taxes and a sidewalk assessment. 8 West Town Street: Britt reported that the siding around the front door is not done. The owner did complete several items. She issued an extension. 31-33 Cliff Street: Jim T noted there is no change. 7. Foreclosures: Agenda item not addressed. 8. Other: a) Public Works Committee (PWC) Report: No report. b) Committee Priorities and Format: Not addressed. c) 13 Bowell Avenue: Jim Q asked for an update on this deed. He has a cash buyer interested in the property. The realtor has not gotten back to him. d) Jim T reported that Mel Weise plans to clean out 48 Hinckley Street, 8 Garfield Avenue and 87 Fifth Street. e) Jim T reported he spoke to Terry O’Rourke at Habitat for Humanity. They would potentially be interested in rehabilitating city-owned properties. f) Jim Q reported on the recent meeting of the Redevelopment Agency with regard to the city’s EPA brownfield assessment grant. 9. Next meeting: The next regular meeting will be Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 5 PM. 10. Adjournment: On a motion by Tucker Braddock, seconded by Jim Heist, the Board of Review unanimously adjourned at 6:22 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Melinda Wilson Recording Secretary