Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Demolition By Neglect topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission discusses demolition-by-neglect referrals, asks staff for a formal notification process
Summary
The commission discussed a more active role identifying properties at risk of demolition by neglect and coordinating referrals to enforcement channels. Staff described existing enforcement roles and advised commissioners to report properties of concern so staff can check citations and compliance history.
The Nantucket Historical Commission discussed July 18 how it might take a more active role in identifying properties at risk of demolition by neglect and coordinating referrals to enforcement channels.
Chair Rita Carr said the commission heard from the Historic District Commission (HDC) and the Massachusetts Historical Commission about minimum-maintenance and potential violations and that the historical commission could assist by flagging properties of concern.
Holly Backus, preservation planner, described the town’s existing enforcement practice and staff roles. She said staff and HDC enforcement letters are typically sent by Kathy Flynn or Nikki Sheriff and that staff maintain a list of properties under enforcement. "There is a teamwork approach to that," Backus said. She said some enforcement matters can take a long time and occasionally require court action.
Commissioners suggested either an agenda item each month to raise properties of concern or compiling a spreadsheet so commissioners can report addresses they observe. Backus said staff would work to make enforcement status more tangible to commissioners and asked them to contact staff when they see neglected properties so staff can confirm whether a citation is on file or whether further action is needed.
No formal referral vote was taken; commissioners and staff agreed to coordinate informally and to consider discussing a formal process at future meetings if needed.
