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Avon confirms URAA applies after Avon Place fire; town to run relocation program
Summary
After the April fire at Avon Place displaced most residents, the town announced a legal opinion finding the Uniform Relocation Assistance Act applies and will implement a relocation program overseen by Social Services; displaced tenants and residents reported inconsistent communication and housing gaps.
The Avon Town Council heard detailed updates June 6 on recovery efforts for tenants displaced by the April 2 fire at Avon Place, and the town announced the Uniform Relocation Assistance Act will apply to the response.
Town Manager Brandon L. Robertson told the council the town initially provided temporary lodging and other assistance and has been coordinating with social services and volunteers. "We received their very well researched legal opinion and the URAA does apply," Robertson said, adding that Director of Social Services Alan Rosenberg will oversee an internal program to take applications and meet statutory obligations.
Why it matters: The URAA creates certain relocation obligations for municipal actors when tenants are displaced by conditions such as code violations or building closure. Robertson said the town previously handled temporary lodging on a discretionary basis but will now apply URAA procedures and documentation.
Displaced tenants gave first-hand accounts at the meeting. "We were told we have two hours to get some of our stuff out, but they show up to learn that they cannot go in the building due to the air quality," resident David Ossorio said, describing multiple moves between hotels and confusing communications from property management. Another tenant, Darpan Shah, said he faces a gap in housing between June 14 and July 20 and has received no response from management despite repeated follow-ups.
Robertson said the town will review applications and cited an eligibility threshold of roughly $4,000 per household for certain URAA benefits; he noted the town has already spent more than that assisting some households. Robertson also said a previously received legal opinion had concluded URAA did not apply; the town has since requested and accepted a new opinion and will consult legal counsel about holding owners accountable where appropriate.
The meeting record showed strong community support for displaced residents, including donations and volunteer assistance. Robertson asked residents to understand that while the town will help with temporary housing and application processing, it is not responsible for managing property restoration; town staff will, however, provide plan-review and inspection assistance to expedite repairs.
The council did not take a separate vote on URAA implementation at the June 6 meeting; Robertson said staff would proceed to set up the program and accept applications under the URAA.
