Middletown code enforcement update: unreachable owners, citations reissued and several properties under monitoring

The Middletown mayor’s code enforcement panel reviewed several active enforcement items, including properties with unreachable owners, a pending zoning appeal and reissued violation notices that could result in citations and liens.

The Land Use representative reported that the landowners for the overgrown vegetation at the Russell and Fowler Street corner could not be located and that the owners’ LLCs appear defunct. "The landowners are ghosts," the Land Use representative said, noting mailed orders bounced and the department will take the case through its standard enforcement process if necessary. Public works staff will confirm whether the vegetation has been cut.

Chair reported that 455 and 465 Middlefield Street have an appeal pending in superior court following a zoning board decision; staff said the item remains with the office while they coordinate with the state's attorney when possible. The Land Use representative said 52 North Main Street appears largely static and will be re‑evaluated.

The panel also addressed several individual enforcement matters: 346 Main — where a prior directive to remove roll‑down cages is being monitored and the panel agreed to remove it from the active agenda for now because no current misuse was reported; 95 Lakeside — reported mowed and removed from the agenda; and 699 — described as with the state's attorney and awaiting structural verification. For 212 Sisk and 20 White Street, violation notices were reissued and the owner has until the 22nd of the month to comply or face full citation procedures and potential liens; staff noted previous liens remain unpaid.

The meeting opened with a unanimous approval of the July 24 minutes and closed after a unanimous voice vote to adjourn at 9:11 a.m. Staff said they will continue monitoring the listed properties and return updates at future meetings.