[MassHistPres] Forced demo due to health and safety code violations

[edandrews at earthlink.net]

While I certainly would encourage you to explore the route of using regulations and ordinance that will protect the building, I also would strongly suggest that you form a community “action group” that will put pressure on your selectmen to protect the building.

 

You will be amazed how quickly government will work on your behalf if the leadership gets a clear message telling them what the community wants.  Suddenly, all the nonsensical regulations and petty objections of inspectors lose their importance.  Sandwich residents need to go online en masse or in person when the social gathering restrictions are lifted, and make their voice heard.

 

I suggest that you talk to Preservation Massachusetts and other groups that have successfully used political means to protect historic buildings.

 

Edward Andrews

Shaker Farm

Richmond, Mass.  

 

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> On Behalf Of Lisa Hassler
Sent: Thursday, December 17, 2020 11:05 AM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] Forced demo due to health and safety code violations

 

>From Lisa Hassler, Sandwich Historical Commission.

 

We have a historic B & S glass factory building that has a pending demo application.  Being in the historic district, it requires a permit for demolition.  The building inspector has said that, due to the condition of the building, it is a health and safety danger to the public and that if the historic district committee doesn’t vote to demolish, he can order it to be taken down.  The building has various unsafe conditions on the inside, with failing plaster due to a hole that previous owner intentionally poked through the roof, and rodent droppings on floor.  However, the windows and doors are in tact and prevent entrance from the general public.  

 

Has anyone had a similar circumstance?  Could a fence be ordered to be installed rather than demo to protect the public?

 

Have you been successful in lobbying for the building inspector to order that the building be secured (close windows, cover hole in roof) to prevent further damage.  

 

Have you required the applicant to fund an inspection by an independent third party historic preservation consultant?  If you can’t require the applicant to pay for a 3rd party inspection, have you been able to require the inspection and have it paid by the historical commission or other entity?

 

Thank you for your help!  

 


Lisa Hassler

 

 





 

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