Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW - DANGEROUS BUILDINGS MINUTES Wednesday, August 28, 2019, 5:00 PM Committee members present: Chair Gary Schnip, Alderwoman Stacy Gould, Tucker Braddock, James Heist, James Quarto and Darryl Wickham Committee members absent: None Others Present: Building Official James Troeger and Blight Officer Brittany Williams 1. Call to Order: Chair Gary Schnip called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM. 2. Determination of a Quorum: It was determined that a quorum was present. 3. Acceptance of Minutes: On a motion by Jim Quarto, seconded by Tucker Braddock, the minutes of the July 24, 2019 meeting of the Board of Review (BOR) were unanimously approved with the address of 13 Boswell Avenue changed to 13 Baltic Street. 4. Public Comment: None 5. Communications: 702 New London Turnpike: Alderwoman Gould read a communication from City Planner Deanna Rhodes. The property has a deed restriction for use as low income family housing. The BOR members agreed that Alderwoman Gould should follow-up with Attorney Driscoll with the intent of removing that restriction. 6. Dangerous Buildings and Blight Concerns: 11 Lake Street: Jim T noted that the bid for demolition is almost ready to be issued. 504 East Main Street: Jim T reported the bid will go out. 212 Prospect Street: NPU has reported that this will be cleaned out at NPU’s expense by Mel Wiese. 482 – 492 Norwich Avenue: Property was sold. 458 - 468 Norwich Avenue: The property is blighted. It has been sold. 280 and 286 Hamilton Avenue: Jim T reported there is a collapsed garage that has a property line going through it. Both property owners have been issued communication on the condition of this garage. It was determined, through attorneys, that the citations were dismissed due to the fact that neither owner could demolish the garage without going onto the property of the other owner. Jim T will have the garage removed under emergency measures and lien both property owners. The garage is bare wood framing. A survey may be done. Blight Officer Brittany Williams asked for direction as to what the BOR would like her to focus on. Jim H asked Brittany about the Jail Hill area. She reported that many of the properties have ongoing communication with her office. There has been some progress. Some properties have property maintenance issues and blight concerns relating to overgrowth. Jim Q requested action be taken regarding the area near the Sweeney Bridge near the marina. Brittany said she would follow up. She reported that six properties in the area have cut their overgrowth recently. The overgrowth near the bridge is the state DOT’s responsibility. It was agreed that Public Works Director Pat McLaughlin should contact the state DOT. Alderwoman Gould reported that there were four citizens interested in serving on the Beautification Committee. She spoke with Alderman Joe DeLucia who informed her that seven members were needed to form the committee. 2 Town Street: Leffingwell House Museum received funding and has begun clean-up on this property they own that abuts the museum. 8 West Town Street: Brittany reported there has been ongoing work. She does monthly inspections. 15 Broad Street: Brittany spoke with the owner several times. All of the vehicles are registered. 43 Fountain Street: Brittany reported this property was sold. 7. Foreclosures: Alderwoman Gould reported on 8 Garfield Avenue, 48 Hinckley Street and 87 Fifth Street. These properties have been cleaned out by Mel Wiese. On Monday, the City Council will vote on putting the properties for sale with Fred Allen. She also reported it should be another 30 days for the title to clear on 13 Baltic Street. 29 Boswell Avenue has been sold for $33,000. 212 Prospect Street will also go to Fred Allyn for sale. 8. Other: a) Public Works Committee (PWC) Report: Alderwoman Gould reported on 36 Huntington Avenue. It is city-owned and cannot be demolished due to historic district requirements. b) Committee Priorities and Format: Not addressed. c) Alderwoman Gould reported that the Redevelopment Agency voted to pursue having a Phase 1 environmental study done with EPA Assessment grant funding on the YMCA building. 9. Next meeting: The next regular meeting will be Wednesday, September 25 2019 at 5 PM. 10. Adjournment: On a motion by Jim Quarto, seconded by Jim Heist, the Board of Review unanimously adjourned at 6:27 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Melinda Wilson Recording Secretary