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Selectmen to press enforcement on roughly 16 blighted properties; residents ask for anonymity in complaints
Summary
The board reviewed a blight‑enforcement update from staff noting about 16 properties of concern and outlined a stepped enforcement process that can end in fines or town‑initiated cleanup billed as a lien. Public commenters urged protecting complainant identities and improving reporting tools.
The Board of Selectmen heard an update on June 9 from members and the town's blight officer that a field survey identified about 16 properties warranting follow‑up under the town's blight ordinance.
Wayne Men reported that several notice‑of‑violation letters have gone out and described the enforcement flow: warnings, attorney referral, judicial fines and, if necessary, town cleanup with costs charged to the property as a lien. "We reviewed our ordinance...several notice of violations have gone out," Wayne said, and staff noted that cleanups done under ordinance authority are billed for manpower, equipment and disposal and recorded as a lien, typically collected at sale.
Why it matters: Board members and the public stressed both the need to clean up long‑standing hazards and the importance of protecting vulnerable residents. Members said some properties represent health hazards (abandoned vehicles, garbage attracting pests, collapsed structures) and that more assertive enforcement is appropriate after years of limited follow‑through.
Public concerns and procedural changes: Multiple public commenters asked how complaints are filed and whether the identity of the complainant is visible in letters; one speaker urged the office to avoid naming individuals as complainants to reduce retaliation. The board agreed to produce a clearer flowchart and to post or make accessible a simplified complaint form; the blight officer (Jennifer) will continue to manage complaints and follow the documented process.
Clarifications provided: Officials said the enforcement timeline can include fines (example cited: $50 per day) and eventually a lien if owners do not pay. Board members agreed to coordinate with the assessor's office and public works on notification and clean‑up logistics and to provide more online information about how residents can report concerns.
What comes next: Staff will circulate the enforcement flowchart, update the complaint form on the town website, and continue notices and follow‑up inspections. The board did not vote to change the ordinance at this meeting but signaled a move to more prompt enforcement and improved resident-facing reporting tools.
