Chair says mortgage company asked whether town will require demolition at 112 Douglas Hill Road

At Monday's meeting the Chair said the broker for the mortgage company holding 112 Douglas Hill Road called to ask whether the town would require the structure be demolished or otherwise cleaned up before the property was sold.

The board discussed options for resolving a partially burned building on the lot, including whether the mortgage company could clean it up before listing or whether the town or a future buyer would assume removal costs. The Chair said staff — specifically Jake and Kent — would look into the town's ordinances and the sequence of steps necessary to allow a legal burn or demolition, noting potential hazardous materials on site such as shingles, paint and fuel tanks.

"So, I sent out an inquiry to Jake," the Chair said, explaining that the mortgage company's broker wanted to know if the town would require complete removal prior to sale. The Chair added that the mortgage company "fully intend[s] to clean up everything" but that staff should confirm what the town's ordinances require.

Members noted past practice described by road staff — a process of bulldozing and then controlled burning in one local example — but also cautioned that state regulations and hazardous materials could limit options. The Chair said the town would ask code enforcement whether a property can be sold "as is" or whether the seller must remove the structure to comply with local rules.

No formal motion or vote regarding demolition was recorded in the meeting excerpt. The Chair directed staff to follow up with Jake and Kent and report findings at a future meeting.

What happens next: staff will check the town's ordinance language and return with clarified steps and any recommended requirements for demolition or sale conditions.