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Select Board to publish RFP for demolition of dangerous building at 83 West Main
Summary
With the owner's May 31 demolition deadline unmet, the Select Board asked staff to publish an RFP to demolish 83 West Main; the board clarified the scope to require garage-pit backfill rather than subsurface removal and will seek reimbursement through court-ordered collections or tax lien if the owner does not pay.
The Denmark Select Board directed staff to publish a request for proposals to demolish a hazardous structure at 83 West Main after the property owner did not meet the May 31 deadline to remove or demolish the building.
Town staff said they have prepared a legal notice for publication and drafted an RFP for demolition contractors. Board members recommended changing the RFP language so the scope requires proper backfill of the existing garage pit — "garage pit backfill" — rather than specifying removal of unknown subsurface materials, which could trigger complex groundwater or soil remediation work.
"We should fill it. Proper filling brings it to grade and removes the hazard," a member said during the scope discussion, noting removal of underground features could create larger environmental and cost problems.
Finance and legal follow-up: the board discussed budgeting to pay for demolition up front, then pursuing the property owner (or the bank if ownership transfers) through the court to recover costs; if recovery fails, the town may place a supplemental tax bill and, ultimately, foreclose. Staff confirmed the RFP publication schedule will allow several weeks for proposals; the board agreed it was not urgent to complete the work next week but directed staff to proceed.
The board also asked staff to refine the RFP language and timeline and to confirm the proposal submission deadline before public notice placement. After contractor work, staff will request court action to recover costs or place the costs on the tax roll if the owner does not reimburse the town.
