[MassHistPres] Restoring windows and lead paint issues

[Dennis De Witt]

Jeff's comments are consistent with a couple of affordable housing projects I have seen.  I would also note that, if there are good tight storms in place, the space can be occupied, even in the winter, with the sash temporarily out.

Dennis De Witt


On Dec 28, 2009, at 9:44 AM, Jeff Levine wrote:

> As someone who has gone through the lead abatement process in more than
> one house, here is what I have heard from lead inspectors (not the
> contractors, but the ones that do the initial and final inspections.)
> 
> If the window or door is shown to be bare of wood when the process is
> complete, they will pass the item as abated, whether or not there is
> remaining lead in the wood from a chemical process. They should make a
> note in the final inspection report that the item was stripped to bare
> wood so a future inspector would understand that new paint does not
> invalidate that abatement. It is not complicated nor is it discriminatory
> against retaining old windows or doors. 
> 
> These were both reputable inspectors who seemed to know the law and
> practice backward and forward. Unfortunately, the practice changes
> constantly so there is no guarantee that notes on the inspection report
> will count in the future as "abated", but you have to hope that future
> inspectors would be reasonable. I have found that inspectors tend to trust
> reports from past inspectors, so I personally am not worried about it.
> 
> The more complicated part of removing old windows to abate is that it
> usually takes longer than just popping in a new window, so it may
> complicate getting back into the unit. If its vacant for a month or two
> that may not matter, but often units are already occupied and therefore
> every day out of the unit is another day in a hotel, with friends, etc.
> With small kids that can be a big hassle, and therefore often owners
> choose to replace rather than strip. In the long run, stripping is often
> the better choice if residents are willing to deal with the extra
> inconvenience.
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Jeff Levine, AICP
> Director
> Department of Planning and Community Development
> Town of Brookline
> 333 Washington Street Third Floor
> Brookline, MA
> 
> 617-730-2130 (v)
> 617-730-2442 (f)
> 
> Email:    jlevine at brooklinema.gov
> www:  http://www.brooklinema.gov/Planning/
> 
> Please remember the Secretary of State considers email a public record.
> 
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