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Council tables abatement order for 142 Ridge Road after family pleas and probate concerns
Summary
An order authorizing the town to enter 142 Ridge Road to abate trash under 30-A M.R.S. §3758-A(4) was debated; family members said probate proceedings and pending personal-representative filings mean they need time to resolve ownership and clean the property. The council voted to table the order.
The council debated an order authorizing the town manager or designee to enter 142 Ridge Road to abate trash and debris and to recover actual expenses under 30-A M.R.S. §3758-A(4). The order cites prior court orders and claimed noncompliance by the property owner.
Family members attending the meeting asked for time. Justin Nizal, who said he had been guardian and has petitioned to become the personal representative of the late owner, told the council he currently lacks probate authority to spend funds or move property and requested additional time to obtain legal standing. "I'm requesting that you guys give me a little more time, and not use the taxpayers' dollars when I have the funds and the means to clean up the property," Justin said. His brother, Brandon Eazal, said a probate petition by the lawyer had been denied and urged the council to wait while the probate process proceeds.
Councilors weighed timing and enforcement. Several members noted that prior similar votes had given owners a year or two to comply and that authorizing the manager does not obligate immediate action; others expressed concern about longstanding noncompliance and existing fines. Justin said fines and legal costs have mounted and that the family cannot yet access funds; he estimated the current fine total as "$115,000" in discussion. After public comment and council discussion, a motion to table the abatement order passed, leaving further action for a later meeting.
