Code enforcement authorizes clean-and-lien for condemned 82 Lexington Street

The Bristol Code Enforcement Committee voted at its May meeting to authorize a clean-and-lien on 82 Lexington Street after inspectors found sewage in the basement and the property was effectively abandoned.

Brandon (committee member) moved that “due to the failure of the owner of 82 Lexington Street to address the violation under section 5-52a of the Bristol code of ordinances, the city be authorized to clean up the property, including the removal of garbage and other nuisances with the expenses incurred for removal and other related work to be recovered from the property owner and a lien filed for such costs in accordance with section 5-55d in Connecticut General Statutes.” The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Chief Building Official (speaker 6) confirmed the structure had been condemned and remained vacant; staff reported unsuccessful attempts to reach the owner and that the building department had tracked the property for roughly a year and a half. Committee members said photographs and inspection records show debris and continuing deterioration and agreed a clean-and-lien at city expense with lien recovery was the appropriate remedy to clear hazards and recover costs.

Committee members asked staff to proceed with scheduling the cleanup and to confirm whether water or tax accounts remain open before finalizing work. The committee did not set a specific cleanup date in the motion but authorized staff to recover costs and file liens consistent with the ordinance and state statute cited in the motion.

The item will remain on the committee’s tracking list until staff reports completion of the cleanup and confirmation of any lien filings.