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Berwick approves contingency funds for advertising in unsafe-building enforcement at 17 Riley’s Run
Summary
Planning director James Bismo told the select board that an unsafe-property posting at 17 Riley’s Run requires legal advertising; the board approved $1,014 from contingency to pay advertising while demolition quotes estimate $18,300 and the town expects to recoup costs through liens.
The Berwick Select Board on May 11 approved a contingency draw to cover legal advertising related to enforcement actions at 17 Riley’s Run, a property the town has posted as unsafe.
James Bismo, director of planning and development, said the property has been posted unsafe and that the owner has deadlines to act (May 19 initial deadline and a June 19 follow-up if accommodations are not made). He reported a contractor demolition quote of $18,300 and noted the town seeks to recover costs via lien and by recouping attorney and securing fees once the enforcement process is complete.
Bismo asked the board to authorize $1,014 from contingency to pay the required advertising for the legal notice. A motion to grant the contingency funds was made, seconded and called to vote; the board approved the expenditure and staff said these advertising costs would be included in the lien and recovered when possible.
Why it matters: Unsafe-building postings start a sequence of legal notices, potential city-funded remediation and recovery via liens. Demolition estimates and advertising costs are part of the town’s enforcement expenditures and can be recouped but may temporarily draw on contingency funds.
What’s next: Staff will proceed with the legal advertising and continue enforcement steps; if the property owner does not comply, the town may contract for demolition and place a lien to recover costs.
Representative details: demolition quote $18,300; requested contingency for advertising $1,014; advertising costs expected to be recovered through the lien process.
