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Committee reviews long-running problem properties, abandoned-vehicle procedure, relocation aid and developer contacts
Summary
At the May meeting the committee updated enforcement actions on multiple problem properties across Bristol, discussed a drafted procedure and vendor RFP for removing abandoned vehicles, heard an inspection update on Sabadee Thai and agreed to follow-up meetings on large multi-unit buildings and lien payoffs.
The Bristol Code Enforcement Committee spent the bulk of its May meeting on status reports for multiple long-running problem properties, a procedural gap on removing abandoned vehicles from private lots and several tenant-relocation and lien matters.
Justin Malley, who staff invited to the meeting, told members he had heard the 275 Terryville Road property may have sold recently but had no definitive documents: "I've heard it's sold," he said. Staff agreed to verify any closing and to circulate payoff information from outside counsel.
Inspectors reported on 45, 59 and 81 North Main Street: the chief building official said the building shells are generally secure and under surveillance, the health department (Erica) said licensed businesses were in good condition and an inspection of Sabadee Thai found no evidence people were living in the basement. Erica (health department) told the committee the restaurant and landlord showed inspectors both areas and "we did not see any belongings or personal belongings to indicate that someone was living in the basement." She said inspectors noted some residents who lingered nearby but did not find active residential occupancy in the basement.
Members also discussed a continuing equipment and tax question tied to the closure of Better Half and the opening of Ventanas. The tax assessor’s office reported an unresolved roughly $15,000 personal-property/tax dispute involving equipment that transferred between businesses; corporation counsel and outside counsel are negotiating possible compromise options.
On abandoned vehicles, one committee member outlined an on-site problem at Cherryville Road with multiple vehicles—some unregistered and loaded with debris—and urged a clear municipal procedure to remove abandoned cars from private property under the state statute that authorizes municipal removal. Staff said a procedure and a draft RFP for vendors exist but procurement and scheduling details need resolution; members asked staff to inventory vehicles, identify which appear abandoned, and proceed with vendor solicitation so towing and storage can be implemented when necessary.
On long-term watch items, staff updated on 107 Gridley Street (trash and a deteriorating garage) and on Park Street properties where a new owner has begun interior work; tenants reported possible rent increases and staff will seek plans for exterior work and culvert repairs. On relocation matters, staff said the first-floor tenant displaced by the 78 Summit Street fire elected the straight payment and case management; a $4,000 lien was recorded against the landlord and storage fees will transition to the tenant after June.
The committee approved two procedural agenda motions: removing 45 William Street from the active list following a successful clean-and-lean operation, and removing several large properties from the code-enforcement watch list and referring them to a small-group meeting on tax and economic issues. Members set a follow-up small-group meeting with corporation counsel, the tax assessor and staff to coordinate on tax and redevelopment implications.
The committee set its next meeting for Wednesday, June 3 at 9:00 a.m. and adjourned.
