Ludlow trustees approve relinquishment for one condo, deny billing pause and approve a 4-bedroom allocation

Chairman Bob Brandt and the Board of Trustees moved through three allocation items during the May 5 meeting, resolving owner requests and clarifying the town’s policy for relinquishing and reinstating water and wastewater service.

Penny Wu and Diane Knight explained that owners of 145 Main Street, Condo #107 asked to relinquish their wastewater allocation because the unit has been gutted and is not habitable. Diane Knight said that re-establishing service would require “a full application with hook and fee and start all over again,” and stated the current hook-on fee is $2,200 plus $546 per bedroom. Trustee Julie Nicoll moved to approve the relinquishment with the January 2026 billing date; the motion passed unanimously.

The board then considered a separate request from 190 Main Street where the apartment owner sought a temporary appeal to pause water and sewer charges, arguing the unit had no plumbing connections. Diane Knight said the office believes pipe infrastructure remains and staff recommended against account suspensions. Trustee Justin Hyjek and Julie Nicoll said the board does not suspend accounts; a motion to deny the appeal passed unanimously.

Finally, the board approved an allocation for a new 4-bedroom home at 124 Upper Cross Road after Diane Knight reported Erin Ladd saw no issues with the application. The owner must obtain allocation before a building permit will be issued; the motion to approve passed unanimously.

Next steps: owners who relinquish allocations will be required to reapply and pay hook-on fees if they later seek service; staff will continue to coordinate site visits and Planning & Zoning checks for vacant units.