Woburn council keeps nuisance hearing open for Maywood Terrace property after neighbors report ongoing problems

WOBURN — The Woburn City Council on Monday continued a public nuisance hearing for a house on Maywood Terrace after neighbors detailed years of alleged mismanagement and recent signs of continuing work without permits.

The hearing, opened at the council's request under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 139, § 1, drew multiple residents who said the property’s problems persisted even after tenants were removed earlier this summer. Councilors voted to keep the hearing open until the council’s Sept. 16 meeting and asked the city solicitor for a legal summary of the steps the city would take if it moved to declare the property a public nuisance.

Residents described ongoing sanitation, maintenance and oversight problems at the house. “We’ve been dealing with fallout at this property for over seven years,” said Ben Kordick of 36 Beech Street. Kordick told the council he and neighbors compiled “a 55‑page document” documenting the property’s deterioration and alleged mismanagement, including what he described as “human excrement running down the side of the home.”

Several speakers urged stronger landlord accountability. “The root of the problem is the landlord,” said a neighbor identified as Carpenter of 12 Maywood Terrace, who asked the council to keep the proceeding open until the owner demonstrates compliance and the property has an occupancy inspection. Another resident, Alika Al Haber of 6 Maywood Terrace, asked the council to “keep this open at least to the fall” because exterior conditions had not improved.

The property owner, Deborah McLaughlin of 23 Faye Street, Wilmington, told the council she is renovating the house, removed appliances and insulation and planned to pull permits after speaking with the building commissioner. “I’m trying to get it cleaned up. I’m trying to fix the issues in the house,” she said. Councilors urged McLaughlin to post permits and to hire licensed contractors.

Councilors expressed frustration that exterior cleanup and repairs were not yet visible. “There’s no excuse for that after all this time,” Councilor Campbell said, urging McLaughlin to address siding stains and landscaping immediately. Councilor DeMambro recommended holding the hearing open until the exterior is cleaned and required permits are filed.

Councilors also sought guidance from the city solicitor about the legal thresholds and the city’s responsibilities if the council were to declare a public nuisance. Councilor Marceau Bruin moved for a communication to the city solicitor asking for a legal summary of next steps; the motion passed on a voice vote. The council later voted—also by voice vote—to continue the public hearing to Sept. 16.

Several councilors said the episode has renewed interest in proposing local landlord accountability measures. “I mentioned to Ben and I think Ellika in a recent email that I'm bringing forward new legislation ... about how we handle landlords and tenants,” Councilor DeMambro said. Councilors noted changing state law governing subsidized housing or Section 8 assistance would require action at the state level.

The council asked the property owner to return to the council monthly with progress updates and asked neighbors to maintain direct lines of communication with the owner and with city staff. The building commissioner texted the owner, councilors said, confirming contact about the permits.

The hearing will remain open and the matter will return to the council agenda on Sept. 16 for further review unless substantial progress is shown beforehand.