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Commissioners order abatement of roadside structure; 90-day deadline set
Summary
The county approved a nuisance abatement for a deteriorating structure close to a roadway, setting a 90-day timeline for abatement; one commissioner recused and the motion passed 6-1.
The Worcester County Commissioners voted to declare a privately owned, deteriorating roadside structure a nuisance and ordered abatement, with a 90-day deadline for demolition activity.
County staff reported they had contacted the property owner and that a fence had been erected but the structure remains close to the roadway and appears in danger of falling into the road. Staff said a demolition permit had been applied for but remained pending because one signature was still required. Staff recommended setting a limited time for abatement so demolition could proceed in a reasonable manner.
A commissioner announced a recusal from the matter because of a personal acquaintance with the property owner; that commissioner did not participate in the vote. Commissioner Abbott moved to approve the abatement and a commissioner seconded. Staff advised commissioners the county’s demolition permit is valid for a year, but under the abatement procedures the board could set a shorter deadline; commissioners set the abatement period at 90 days.
The motion to abate passed, recorded as 6 in favor and 1 opposed or recusal in the record. The minutes state the motion carried "6 to 1 with 1 refusal." County staff will proceed with abatement steps if the owner does not complete demolition within the timeframe and will coordinate issuance of the demolition permit.
