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St. Armand orders boarding of 8 Union Lane after finding it unfit for habitation
Summary
Following a public hearing, the Town Board found 8 Union Lane unfit for human habitation due to lack of utilities and code violations, and adopted a resolution ordering the property condemned and secured; costs can be levied to property taxes.
The St. Armand Town Board on Sept. 17 adopted a resolution to condemn and board up the structure at 8 Union Lane, finding it unfit for human habitation.
Code Enforcement Officer Rodger Tompkins told the board the house lacks water, sewer, electrical service, heat and appropriate egress, rendering it unsafe and not in compliance with New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code. The board noted repeated attempts by code enforcement to get the owner to obtain permits and make repairs.
At the hearing, resident Ricky Lowndes told the board he planned to make repairs "as he had money to do so" but said he did not have funds to pay for a building permit. After discussion, the board adopted Resolution #73 ordering the town to board and secure the property and authorizing assessment of any costs to the property taxes. The motion was moved by Councilperson Sheridan Swinyer and seconded by Councilperson Donna Whitelaw; the roll-call vote was unanimous.
Resolution #73 takes immediate effect and states that entry into the condemned structure may expose individuals to criminal trespass charges under state code.
