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Board finds open-storage public nuisance, sets compliance dates and warns of higher fines for repeat violator
Summary
The code board found repeated open-storage and outdoor-storage violations at a property owned by Margaret Stewart, set compliance deadlines of Sept. 4 and Sept. 24, and warned fines could reach $250–$500 per day depending on repeat‑violation status and whether health-and-safety conditions exist.
The board heard multiple code violations involving Margaret ("Maggie") Stewart — driveway cleaning, outdoor storage deemed a public nuisance, and open storage near the front door — matters that the code officer said had returned after prior enforcement actions.
Eric Richwagen told the board notices were issued July 25, 2024, and that the open storage item had previously been before the board (noted in 2019). He described odor and black staining on some stored items and said the neighbor complaints included concerns about a persistent smell and protruding materials. "This is coming before the board again; I deem this to be a repeat violator," Eric said, while also clarifying that the board could treat some counts as a new violation if the five-year repeat window did not apply.
Board members discussed whether the resident was elderly or isolated and whether social services or council referrals would be appropriate; Eric said he has limited authority to provide social services and suggested town council might help coordinate assistance. For the violations, the board found respondents in violation of the cited code sections, set compliance deadlines (Sept. 4 and Sept. 24, 2024, depending on the violation), and warned that fines could range up to $250 per day for some violations and up to $500 per day for repeat offenders in the five‑year window.
The board entered orders on the record, scheduled a fine-assessment hearing for Sept. 25 if necessary, and encouraged staff to coordinate with other town departments if residents need assistance to achieve compliance.
