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Council approves original consent agreement to address code violations at 90 Union Avenue
Summary
After testimony from the code enforcement director about unsafe third‑floor stairs and debate over owners’ late amendments, the council voted 5–0 to proceed with the original consent agreement requiring exterior renovations within 60 days and preserving escrow oversight.
Councilors voted unanimously to move forward with the original consent agreement addressing four notices of violation at 90 Union Avenue, a property that has been the subject of multi‑year enforcement efforts. The council rejected last‑minute amendments from the owner’s attorneys — including an extension of the exterior renovation deadline from 60 to 90 days and a narrower stair‑compliance requirement — and approved the original agreement 5–0.
Rick Haskell, director of code enforcement, testified that the third‑floor stairway has steep, winding steps and that he was concerned about the ability to move a stretcher down that set of stairs. Haskell said he had examined the stairs and described the rise and narrow corners, adding that corrections were feasible but the current condition presented egress and emergency‑rescue concerns. Several councilors said they did not support further delay after years of noncompliance and favored requiring the exterior work within the originally agreed 60 days.
Councilors also debated whether the owner should be allowed to draw from escrow to pay for the work; some expressed support for escrow draws if inspections and release procedures protect the town, while others said they were reluctant to change financial safeguards without the applicant present. Ultimately the council moved to adopt the earlier, original draft with the 60‑day exterior deadline.
