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Woodstock board approves $1,054.72 tax abatement as residents prepare to demolish uninhabitable trailer
Summary
Residents from the Scenic View complex told the Woodstock Select Board a trailer declared uninhabitable is scheduled for demolition; the board approved a $1,054.72 tax abatement connected to the property while deed and building-permit issues remain unresolved.
Resident Sherry of the Scenic View complex asked the Woodstock Select Board to allow town staff to inspect a trailer the residents described as unlivable and “full of molding.” The board approved a motion to abate $1,054.72 in property taxes tied to the lot while the property owner pursues demolition and transfer paperwork.
The residents said a demolition contractor (referred to in the meeting as Alder) is scheduled to remove the trailer and place the debris in dumpsters; the residents also said the demolition permit on the structure expires on March 15. Resident Susan said the deed for the property has not yet been recorded and that the buyer’s attorney is still handling recording.
The board advised that, once the deed is recorded, the new owner must file a building permit and an inspection report before the demolition permit can be finalized. A Select Board member said, “Then you need to file the building permit” and the board discussed the sequence: deed recording → building permit with inspection → demolition permit.
After the discussion, a board member moved “to abate the taxes in the amount of $1,054.72.” The chair called the vote; the board voiced agreement and the motion passed.
Board members and staff also discussed utility and tax obligations tied to property transfers. A town official noted water and sewer charges are tied to the property and are not abated by the same process as property taxes; the official advised residents to consult legal counsel about any outstanding utility disputes. The board instructed staff to prepare the abatement paperwork for signatures in the town office.
The meeting record shows the residents were actively seeking to expedite demolition while the deed recording and permit filings are completed; the board approved the tax abatement to address the tax obligation while these administrative steps continue.
Ending: The board closed this agenda item after approving the abatement and asking staff to prepare the required paperwork; residents said they will continue coordinating deed recording and permit filings with their contractor and attorney.
