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Palmyra safety board to inspect multiple buildings deemed unsafe; hearing set Feb. 5
Summary
At a town safety board meeting, members reviewed fire-department findings that several Palmyra properties are unsafe, agreed to schedule remaining inspections and legal notices as warranted, and moved to set a hearing for Dennis Limel on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m.
Speaker 1, a member of the Palmyra Safety Board, told the board that fire-department inspections in 2025 identified several properties as unsafe and submitted three addresses for follow-up: 910 Church Street, 14149 Market Street and 790 Main Street. The board discussed additional properties flagged by residents, including the old ice cream shop near Subway and a property at 515 Main Street.
The discussion centered on next steps for inspections and legal notices. Speaker 1 said copies of inspection letters and recent photographs were available and would be posted online. “We feel the structure is unsafe for living conditions, structures of fire hazard, as well as a life hazard to the community,” Speaker 1 said, summarizing the fire department’s findings and the board’s concerns.
An owner appeared for one property, 910 Church Street, and told the board that interior work had been completed and the duplex was being converted to a single-family home; the owner provided photographs of interior demolition and rebuilding. Another property’s disposition is tied up in litigation over deeds; Speaker 2 said ownership disputes (Simpson v. Owen/Colin) must be resolved before demolition can proceed. “Oh, I plan to tear it down,” Speaker 2 said when asked about plans for a property under their control, but added that deed issues limit immediate action.
Legal procedure for compelled inspections was explained by Speaker 3, who noted that if owners deny access the town may seek an inspection warrant from the court and then, depending on results, issue a repair or demolition order and provide owners their rights. “They can request an inspection warrant be issued to them and then report back to the…general,” Speaker 3 said, describing the statutory pathway for compelled entry and subsequent enforcement steps.
Board members agreed to ask fire inspector Josh Norman to complete inspections on the remaining properties and to hold off sending certified enforcement letters until inspection results justify an order. The board also provided tax records and photographs to confirm ownership and addresses.
The board set a hearing date for Dennis Limel on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. at town hall; Speaker 1 made the motion to set the date, and a second or vote was not recorded in the available transcript. The board indicated it would reconvene or act after inspections and any necessary court action to obtain access or resolve title disputes.
