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237 Abandoned Building 1979-1985 MAf - � INSPECTOR Mayor Harry S. Chapman & City Council Members Tito of Northampton Office of the )lnspertor of 361oilbings 212 Main Street•Municipal Building Northampton. Mass. 0 1060 March 29, 1979 Re: 237 South Street, Northampton Under the provisions of Chapter 802, Section 124.0, and Chapter 239 of the Massachusetts General Laws, I quote in part as follows: " A careful survey of the premises shall be made by a board consis- ting; in a city, of a city engineer, the head of the fire department, as such term is defined in Section 1 of Chapter 148 of the Massachusetts General Laws annotated, as amended, and one disinterested person to be appointed by the building official; On March 27, 1979, we inspected the residence on 237 South Street, Assessors Map 38B - Page 70. It is the opinion of this board and others that this property be condemned immediately. However, it is recommended that this structure should not be demolished. We would, instead, suggest that all contents be removed, and the building be made secure to the weather and trespassers. The board also suggests that the Building Inspector obtain three informal bids for this work. These estimates and particulars will then be presented to the City Council and Mayor to be acted upon as soon as possible. The enclosed letter from the Board of Health will verify that present condi- tions constitute a definite health hazard. Charles Mazeaki, Disinterested .Person Captlain Lawrence loner,, Fire Department cc: Legal Dept. enc. Very truly yours, / - V(y Ce"i- I. Clark, Building Inspector ..raj A rfi .> 1, t 1415-antis Sheehan, City Engineer gegovErfi NORTHAMPTON BOARD Of HEALTH !MR 30919 'arch 30, 1979 T0. Cecil I. Clark, Northampton -wilding Inspector FROM, Peter J. McErlain, Agent, Northampton Hoard of Health DATE: March 30, 1979 SUBJECT: Abandoned dwelling at 237 South Street On 'larch 27, 1979 representatives of the Northampton Board of Health inspected an abandoned dwelling at 237 South Street, Assessors' map 3SB, lot 70 and found the following conditions: 1.) the dwelling is in a serious state of deterioration 2.) several doors and windows its broken and/or missing allowing easy access to the dwelling 3.) the cellar and all rooms of the dwelling are full of rubbish, garbage h.) there is evidence of a rodent infestation The conditions listed above constitute a public health nuisance. The Board of Health therefore submits the following recommendations for your consider- ations ideally, the dwelling should be demolished as soon as possible, in lieu of this, the dwelling should be completely cleaned out and made as secure as possible. Steps should be taken to prevent the entry of rodents especially around the founda- tion and through the sewer line. Please note that the dwelling meet be exterminated prior to any demoli- tion or clean out. This will prevent the rodents from being driven out into the surrounding neighborhood. If you have any Questions about this matter, please contact the Board of Health office. BOARD OF HEALTH CITY HALL COMPLAINT RECORD Date__-7:f21:-.4. Time Name of Complainant /Lets/_____taA/Nkao Sit Address ca3.2. Q047t4si /U t° TeL Nature of Complaint 3 - e 4 73 .13,p*fey ntice Location of Premises --c2a7 2 -S44-1141 Owner Address Occupant AO/3 Ed Taken by__ et4_6 Referred to_ Date of inspection i- 3° —7° Time_ 4?-5--' INSPECTOR'S REPORT ..2L4Lw.)_&tcffee.) dez Qate Atha_ _cloaarreL 5 47 _fribv 7 rF la-r 5 2Ek.c._ 4 #i r/ex..._. _d_de,7 I.: Sad(47 776g ti,Licked/ Action Taken TO: John Zaleski, City Property Committee FROM: Richard Gormely, Code Enforcement Inspector, Board of Health DATE; July 31, 1980 SUBJECT: Abandoned dwelling at 237 South Street Last year the City Property Committee assisted the Board of Health in having an abandoned dwelling at 237 South Street cleaned out and boarded up. The Board Health has recently received new complaints about this property. An inspection that the rear door and a portion of the brick foundation have been broken down allowing access to the dwelling. Also, there is evidence of a rodent infesta- tion. Since the owner of this dwelling is unknown (the property will likely be taken by the city for back taxes) Mayor Himont* has directed that the Board of Health seek the assistance of the City Property Committee in remedying the above-mentioned con- dition. Therefore, the Board of Health respectfully requests that the dwelling at 237 South Street, assessor's map 38B, lot 70 be exterminated and made secure by boarding up the rear exit, the hole in the foundation, and the attic window to pre- vent the entry of pigeons. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact the Board of Health office. cc: Mayor David B. Musanta of POLICE OFFICER'S INCIDENT REPORT NORTHAMPTON POLICE DEPARTMENT RECORD 00 . 58 '_I IN 37 DE GEOCODE 40 ARREST A — ❑ INITIA REPORT ❑ FOLLOW-UP REPORT JT ord violation— health & safety hazard LOCATION 237 SouthSSt. TIME OCCURRED 83 DATE & TIME REPORTED 1/7/83 20:08 DATE & TIME OF THIS REPORT 1/7/83 21:00 NAMES IF MORE 0 SUPPLEMENT CODES TO BE USED BELOW IN BOX MARKED 'CODE' 1-INVOLVED VICTIM W-WII NESS P-PARENT RP-REPORTING PARTY DC-DISCOVERED CRIME PARTICIPANT PRINCIPAL PARTY'S(OR FIRM'S(NAME(LAST.FIRSTM.I.) gity of Northampton, South St residents RESIDENCE ADDRESS 237 South St. RESIDENCE PHONE 'ATION,I Sex RACE AGE Dateolanh BUSINESS ADDRESS (SCHOOL IF JVNLI BUSINESS PHONE NAME-(VST,FIRST.M.L) RESIDENCE ADDRESS RESIDENCE PHONE ATION.I.D. Sex RACE AGE Dale el Birth BUSINESS ADDRESS (SCHOOL IF JVNLI BUSINESS PHONE NAME-(LAST,FIRST,M IJ RESIDENCE ADDRESS RESIDENCE PHONE 'ATION.I D I Sex RACE AGE Dare of Birth BUSINESS ADDRESS (SCHOOL IF JVNL BUSINESS PHONE ECT NO I (IAST,FI PST, NITIAL Sex Race Age Hot Wg Ha Eyes Dale of Bath Arrested No IE55,CLOTHING B OTHER IDENTIFYING MARKS B CHARACTERISTICS S S.X Comr exian CT NO 2 (LAST.FIRST,INITIAL) Sex Race Age Hat W91 I Hal Eyes Dare al Birth Arrested Q Ye8 0 Noi IESS.CLOTHING B OTHER IDENTIFYING MARKS B CHARACTERISTICS S S I Comgexlon COLOR YEAR MAKE xy. MODEL BODY STYLE REG X STATE VIN DISPOSITION TEL ET PE St NT ❑Yrs ❑NO OF ENTR ❑ 0 ROOF 0 EAR ❑ SIDE CELLAR 0 DOOR ❑ LATCHED ❑ ❑ WINDOW UNLOCKED ❑ EXIT DIE TYPE OF ENTRY 0 OPEN ACCESS ❑CONSTRUCTIVE ❑ NO VISIBLE FORCE ❑ FORCE TOOL ❑ KEY DESCRIPTION IrION PROPERTY MI SUPPLEMENT ONT mPT COM LETE ALL APPROPRIATE ITEMS ABOVE AND DESCRIBE INCIDENT AND ACTION TAKEN BELOW USE SUPPLEMENT IF NECESSARY The abandoned house at 237 South St has bad open access for a long p eriod of time Ice vandals broke down plywood denying access in the paet. The front door, windows, and ,r door allow access to rats, other animals, as well as young children. Someone could seriously hurt inside. This health hazard, safety hazard, and plain eyesore should be .boarded up as it was in the past. Request the Northampton Board of Health and Building Inspector be notified of this CONTINUED' Endoned house at 237 South St and appropriate actions taken. 0 ❑ NO SUPPLEMENT E STATUS &CT IVE INACTIVE UNFOUNDED CLEARED CORRECTTE T T HE OWL GE'E RAND C Mas owe REPORTINGOFFICER REPORT ARE TRUE AND SECOND OFF ICER COMPLAIN ANT'S SIGNATURE GURTHEP ACTION(PURGE INFO) REVIEWER COPIES TO Sgt Sweeney SHIFT COMMANDER BOARD OF HEALTH JOHN T. JOYCE,Chairmen 'ETER C. KENNY, M.D. CATHLEEN O'CONNELL, R.N. 'ETER J. MCERLAIN, Health Agent CITY OF NORTHAMPTON MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH TO: City Solicitor Maureen Ryan-Wise � FROM: Peter J. McErlain, Health Agent //e,y/�/�u� DATE: January 13, 1983 SUBJECT: Abandoned dwelling at 237 South Street, Northampton, MA 110 MAIN STREET 01060 Tel. (413) 584-9071 I am requesting the assistance of your office in eliminating an unsightly and potentially hazardous problem, that of the abandoned dwelling at 237 South St. For ten or more years, this dwelling (assessor's map 38B, lot 70) has been vacant and deteriorating. It is now an extreme eyesore , a rodent harborage, and a serious safety and fire hazard. In the past, there have been numerous complaints about 237 South Street, and in response, because the owner of the property was unknown, the Board of Health has sought the aid of the Building Inspector and City Property Committee in cleaning and securing the dwelling. The Building Inspector has condemned the structure and if the owner was known the Board of Health would have ordered it demolished. (Refer to letters attached. ) Again a complaint has been received by the Board of Health (refer to NPD report attached)and again with the assistance of Building Inspector Cecil Clark we have made the building secure. However, it is quite evident that unless repairs are begun in the very near future the building will deteriorate to a point where it can no longer be rehabilitated. A number of parties , including the Smith School Carpentry. Program have expressed an interest in renovating this property and putting it back on the tax roles . Therefore, the Board of Health respectfully requests that, either the ownership of he dwelling at 237 South Street be clarified or the property taken by the City for back taxes , and offered for sale. The potential for injury to neighborhood children, the potential fire hazard, and the general unsightliness of the dwell- ing necessitates speedy action in this matter. If you have any questions , do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you. cc: Mayor David Musante Building Inspector Cecil Clark Police Chief Labato �',t, 4 c_424h44.-, ,i,at— David B. Musante,Jr. Mayor CITY OF NORTHAMPTON MASSACHUSETTS City Hall 210 Main Street Northampton, Massachusetts 01060 OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 586-6950 January 10, 1985 MEMO TO: Atty. Tim Washburn, Asst. City Solicitor John Dahl , Asst. Superior Court Clerk Harry Jekanowski, Building Inspector Ted Tewhill, Asst. Building Inspector Al Ulshoeffer, Sr. Planner Larry Smith, Health Agent Peter McErlain, Fire Chief Paul Driscoll SUBJECT: Meeting to discuss building structure at 237 South Street A meeting has been scheduled for Friday, January 18, 1985 at 2:00 p.m. in the Hearing Room at City Hall (2nd floor of City Hall - Room 18) to discuss ways to expedite the removal of the vacant wood frame structure located at 237 Southi, Street, Northampton. This building presents a long standing problem to the City in that it has been several years that it has been vacant, unsafe and an eyesore in this South Street neighborhood. The neighbors on either side of this structure are con- cerned about the possibility of fire because of its close proximity to their homes. Vagrants have been known to break into the structure and live there from time to time even though there are no sanitary facilities. Neighborhood children have utilized the structure for a play area and this also presents a safety pro- blem. I am told that unsafe structures in other cities are demolished and that it does not take an inordinate period of time to accomplish that action. Please he prepared to brainstorm legal methods to remove this very unsightly and unsafe structure. Thank you. !)BM:m:u Sincerely, I�1 Ul n C n ew t� David 8. Musante, Jr. Mayor City of Northampton 3OARD OA HEALTH T. JOYCE,Chairman R C. KENNY, M.D. R J. McERLAIN. Health Agent ael R. Parsons CITY OF NORTHAMPTON MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH TO: inspector of Puildinrs Ted Tewhill PROM: Peter J. McErlain, Pealth Anent %%'" — DATF: January 21 , 19P5 SUBJECT: Abandoned dwelling at 237 South Street 210 MAIN STREET 01050 013)586-6950 Eft.913 The letter will confirm the Northampton Board of Health's concern about the abandoned dwelling at 237 South Street <Assessors' Man 3R1, Lot 70) . Since March 30, 1979, the Board of Health has been seeking to have that dwellinv. cleaned out, exterminated , hoarded-up and/or demolished. Over the years the Board of Health has received numerous complaints about the dwelling at 237 South Street, narticularly about rodent infestations and safety and fire hazards . The Board of Health strongly supports your efforts to have the dwelling demolished and stands ready to assist you as might he needed . Please do not hesitate to contact the Board of Health if we can he of further service. PECTOR Qtiffl of liartIiampfan jaunc¢nens DEPARTMENT OP BUIiDING INSPECTIONS 212 Main Street ' Municipal Building Northampton, Mau. 01060 January 23, 1985 Estate of Arthur F. Wade 237 South Street Northampton, Mass. 01060 © %LI Li Ms. Helen C. (Wade) Fitzgerald - Administratrix 382 Pleasant Street Northampton, Mass. 01060 Dear Ms. Fitzgerald: This letter is to notify you that the structure located at 237 South St., N'ton, Ma., is in violation of the Massachusetts State Building Code; specifically Article 1, Section 104, and has been declared in accordance with Section 123.1 of the above code, to be unsafe and a danger to_ life and limb. Records in this office indicate unsuccessful attempts by various public bodies, beginning in 1979 to have the existing unsafe conditions abatted. Therefore, in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 143, Section 6, Chapter 802 of the Acts of 1972 as amended; 780 GIR, State Building Code, Article 1, Section 123.1, you are herewith ordered to rehabilitate the structure to comply with the code or to demolish same forthwith. Failure to initiate action to comply with this order; within seven (7) days, will result in this office having to commence action under Section 124 of the code; which may cause the structure to be condemned, torn down and a lien for the cost thereof, placed against the land. Please give this order your immediate attention. You are required to contact this office; within the time allowed, to secure the necessary permits in connection with the above options allowed for compliance with the codes. Sincerely, pc: Mayor's Office Board of Health Fire Dept. Dept. of Public Works Legal Dept. E1T/ld Edward J. Building Inspector : Works card Tewhill lding Inspe :y Hall rthampton, Mass. 0 Report of the Survey Board Regarding the condition of House #237 South Street, located on Parcel 70 of Assessors Map #38B CITY OF NORTHAMPTON MASSACHUSETTS 01060 February 13, 1985 ar Sir, On Monday, February 11, 1985, the above mentioned building was spected by Jeremiah P. Driscoll, Fire Chief; Richard Manuel nstruction Superintendent of Aquadro & Cerruti; and Francis K. eehan, Assistant City Engineer. The building is a two story wood frame structure that was arded and secured in March of 1979 by a previous Survey Board. nce that date, there has been no visable sign of restoration and/ rehabilitation. At this time, February 11, 1985, the following dficiencies were noted. 1 The main carrying beam in the basement is cracked and can not support its designed load. 2 The girders transmitting the load to the main carrying beam are rotting and are not capable of bearing their designed load. 3 The ashes of a fire in an old stove on the first floor indicate that children and/or vagrants are creating a fire hazard to neighbors. The second floor is sagging in certain areas and unsafe. 5 The northerly chimney is disintegrating and the roof area about it is sagging, indicating roof failure due to heavey snow and high wind Load. 6 The stairs leading to the second floor are dete- riorating and lack a proper hand rail. 7 Rain gutters in the front of the house have fallen, exposing the interior of the house to the weather. The building is unused, dangerous and open to the elements. In =he event of fire the hazards to firemen and occupants of abutting louses could be extreme. The Board requests the Building Inspector to take emergency ;ores as directed in Section 124.0 of the State Building Code demolish the building forthwith. ef Jeremiah P. Driscoll e Department oac,c e Francis K. Sheehan Assistant City Engineer Emanual :interested Person FEB 1 4 DEFT.Of suat".G I!.iP'ECItCNS ..,RTHAMPION.MA.010€0 Arthur F. Street on, Mass. C. (Wade) ant Street on, Mass. (City of Northampton ¢l.s..eha.dt. DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTIONS 212 Main Street ' Municipal Building Northampton, Mass. 01060 February 15, 1985 Wade 01060 Fitzgerald - Administratrix & Others 01060 Fitzgerald - Administratrix & Others: a letter is to notify you that the structure located at 237 South St., Northampton, been declared; in accordance with Section 123.1 of the Massachusetts State Build- , unsafe and dangerous to life and limb. A letter to this effect was sent to the s shown on the assessors' records, and is attached for your information. research indicates that you are an owner of this propPrty, therefore, this office you of the following: February 11, 1985, this office had a survey team (consisting of the Fire Chief and ineer of the City, and a Construction Superintendent) inspect this structure as re- y Section 124.1 of the Code. Its' findings were made known to this office on Feb. , a copy of which is also attached. ;ed on these findings and under authority of the Massachusetts General laws, Chapter tion 6, Chapter 802 of the Acts of 1972, 780 CIR State Building Code, Article 1, 124.2 as amended, you are herewith ordered to demolish said structure forthwith. ;lure to initiate action, to comply with this order, within seven (7) days shall Us office to employ the necessary labor and equipment and demolish the structure. :s incurred by such action, shall; in accordance with law, constitute a lien upon upon which the structure is located. aggrieved by this order you have the rights of law as prescribed by Section 2 of 139 of the Massachusetts General Laws as amended. However, this remedy shouldenot trued as to hinder, delay or prevent this office from acting and proceeding 124.2 of the Code. Page 2 February 15, 1985 rthur F. Wade treet , Mass. 01060 ,. (Wade) Fitzgerald - Administratrix & Others t Street • Mass. 01060 >ffice may be reached by calling 1-413-586-6950, between 8:30 A.M. -- 4:30 P.M. -iday Any contact should be made within the time allowed for complying with Yours truly, 99✓ Edward Building Inspector d E. Wade e E. Wade, Jr. ✓ F. Wade 's Office of Health Department tment of Public Works Department