Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW - DANGEROUS BUILDINGS MINUTES Wednesday, December 4, 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 1. Call to Order: Chair Gary Schnip called the meeting to order at 5:14 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 Jim Heist, the minutes of the October 23, 2019 meeting of the Board of Review (BOR) were unanimously approved as presented. 4. Public Comment: None 5. Communications: None presented 6. Dangerous Buildings and Blight Concerns: Chair Gary Schnip reviewed the presentation from the last meeting. He raised the issue of potentially taxing Airbnb homes. Discussion ensued. Jim Troeger reported on the following properties: 11 Lake Street: The demolition RFP was issued. The pre-bid inspection was held today. There was a lot of interest, with 7-8 potential bidders. There is asbestos to be considered in the demolition. 21 Fairmount Street: The former Martin Luther King Center has been foreclosed on by the city. Discussion ensued on issuing an RFP for redevelopment. It was decided to add this to next month’s agenda for further discussion. 98 Washington Street: The former Cassidy House is in pre-foreclosure by the city for taxes. 308 Washington Street: This property is in pre-foreclosure by the city for blight liens. 253 Broadway: Jim Quarto brought this property to the committee’s attention. The porch is falling off. Jim T will follow-up. Chair Schnip reported that the resolution to demolish 36 Huntington Avenue was removed from the City Council agenda per City Planner Deanna Rhodes due to concern from the State Office of Historic Preservation. 7. Foreclosures: Not addressed. 8. Other: a) Public Works Committee (PWC) Report: No report  b) Committee 2020 Schedule: Chair Schnip presented a proposed 2020 meeting schedule which follows the current pattern of fourth Wednesdays at 5 PM in the Union Street Conference Room with no November meeting and the December meeting held on the first Wednesday. On a motion by Jim Quarto, seconded by Jim Heist, this 2020 Board of Review meeting schedule was unanimously approved. c) Gary Schnip noted that the marina lease for 46 West Main Street is up for auction on an internet site. d) Discussion ensued on Land Banking in Connecticut and how it might help redevelop properties in Norwich. e) Jim T announced his is tentatively retiring January 6, 2020. Blight Officer Brittany Williams will attend the BOR meetings. 9. Next meeting: The next regular meeting will be Wednesday, January 22, at 5 PM. 10. Adjournment: On a motion by Jim Heist, seconded by Tucker Braddock, the Board of Review unanimously adjourned at 6:12 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Melinda Wilson Recording Secretary