Owner presents repairs at 81 William Street; Board continues nuisance order and sets review timeline

The Board of Health heard an appeal Aug. 5, 2025, from Aaron Griffith, the owner of 81 William Street, who presented before-and-after photos and testified about repairs he has completed and plans to finish. City witnesses who inspected the property said substantial work remains, and the board voted to continue the public-nuisance order and set a review date following a remediation deadline.

Griffith entered two groups of photographs into evidence and described multiple repairs he said he has completed, including foundation repairs, new downspouts, replacement windows and removal of debris. "I'm hoping to have everything done before we go," Griffith said when asked about a completion date.

City witnesses included Brandon Plowman, the health director, and Jeff Andrews, a city-contracted housing inspector and former director of housing rehabilitation. Both were offered and accepted as experts. Plowman testified that accessory roofs (porches and additions) remain in poor condition and that certain exterior surfaces require protective treatment. Andrews testified that shingle, fascia and soffit work are needed on accessory roofs, that some siding repairs still allow water intrusion and that the sidewalk on one side of the house is "in very poor condition and, in my opinion, pretty dangerous." Andrews also said there were no electric or gas meters observed attached to the building and that the service drop had been pulled away from the structure.

Both inspectors testified that if the accessory roofs are repaired, exterior finishes addressed, siding repaired, utilities restored and the sidewalk fully replaced, the property could be evaluated for removal from the nuisance list. Plowman summarized the minimum remedies: "That would be the minimum requirements, but, yes, I believe that that we could evaluate, where we stand on some prayers to be patent."

Board members and other meeting participants repeatedly acknowledged visible progress at the property but emphasized that remaining items must be completed. One board member suggested an interim target of Oct. 1 to show progress; the board later approved a motion to continue the nuisance order and "revisit it after the deadline of February 1." The transcript records affirmative roll-call votes from board members that carried the motion.

The board accepted the exhibits presented by the appellant (marked A1'023) and city photographic exhibits (B1'B12) into the record. The department will provide the owner with a list of remaining items to complete and will inspect for compliance before the board's next review.