[MassHistPres] Demolition by neglect

[dbibel at comcast.net]

Like many (most?) other communities, Medfield has had its share of properties that are slowly decaying due to neglect - sometimes benign, sometimes malicious.  A demolition delay ordinance can sometimes be of use, but only if the property owner has a true interest in saving an historic property.

Are there solutions to demolition by neglect?  Fining an owner would be of little use in many cases, if the reason for the neglect is cost of the repair facing a poor property owner.  Shaming others?  Sounds like a bad idea as well.

What if anything have others done in these situations?  Are there ideas that have had success?

Dan Bibel, co-chair
Medfield HC