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Tenant alleges persistent code violations, leaks at Mechanic Street building; selectmen ask staff to investigate
Summary
A Farmington tenant, Phil Harris, told selectmen his unit at 23a Mechanic St. has recurring leaks and heating failures and said an earlier inspection found numerous violations that remain unaddressed; the board asked staff to gather inspection records and follow up with the resident.
Resident Phil Harris appeared during public input to describe chronic problems at 23a Mechanic St., apartment A. "The roof leaks like you wouldn't believe," Harris said, adding he has experienced ongoing interior water intrusion that recently forced him to move furniture and his bed to the center of his unit to avoid dripping water.
Harris told selectmen he was told a fire chief and a code inspector previously inspected the unit above him and that, according to the former tenant there, the inspection identified "79 violations." Harris said he has not seen records of any repairs: "They just finished doing the roof on 2 units; they didn't do my roof," he said.
Selectman Charlie King asked Harris to provide contact information to Interim Town Administrator Paul Sanderson so staff could locate inspection reports and advise whether enforcement actions remain open. HR/Welfare Director Erica Dickie‑Yelle noted town records show contact with the property owner in August and a last noted contact on Aug. 26; Sanderson and staff agreed to look into whether the matter went inactive during staffing changes and to revive any outstanding enforcement steps as appropriate.
No formal enforcement action was announced at the meeting; staff said they would investigate the inspection history and follow up with Harris.
Next steps: Harris to provide contact information to the Town Administrator; staff to search inspection records, confirm outstanding violations (if any), and report back to the resident and the board.
