[MassHistPres] demo by neglect

[swermiel at verizon.net]

The Attorney General’s office had a program called the Abandoned Housing Initiative, which allowed municipalities to take over and repair abandoned housing (which would be sold, once repaired). I’m not certain exactly what form it’s in today, but here is a link to the division in the AG’s office where you can get information Learn more about the Neighborhood Renewal Division | Mass.gov <https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-more-about-the-neighborhood-renewal-division> 

There seems to be what looks like a new program, the Abandoned Housing Initiative Receivership Fund Abandoned Housing Initiative Receivership Fund | Mass.gov <https://www.mass.gov/service-details/abandoned-housing-initiative-receivership-fund> 

Again, the AG’s office should be able to help you with this.

But in general, it would be a good thing if communities adopted ordinances and bylaws to mandate property maintenance, aimed a building preservation. A few have done. Would be interesting to know what works.

--Sara Wermiel

 

Historian of technology/historic preservation consulting

70A South St.

Jamaica Plain, MA  02130 USA

617 524-9483

 

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> On Behalf Of Richard McGrath
Sent: Sunday, January 8, 2023 1:03 PM
To: Masshistpres <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Subject: [MassHistPres] demo by neglect

 

Dear preservation Friends. The town of Lunenburg has a wonderful mid 18th century saltbox and barn. A developer bought the property and wanted to tear down the property and build a new house along with other new houses on the acreage. The Lunenburg Historic Commission told him that it would probably go to the 18 month demo delay during which he needed to attempt to sell the house and barn or move it. He quickly found a buyer and sold it allowing him to go forward with the rest of his project. He said that he had sold it to someone who wanted to restore the buildings and live there. Four years later the property hasn't been touched and no one has lived there and no one has been seen there by concerned neighbors.. A smaller 4 foot wide hole in the barn roof has developed to a state where the whole roof has now collapsed and the barn is destabilized and in danger of collapse. We only have a p.o. box address for the owner who has not responded to our letters. We think that the developer sold the property to a relative to get by the demo delay bylaw. We don't know what to do to save this property and are seeking ideas.Thank you for any help.

Regards,

Richard McGrath, Chair Lunenburg Historical Commission

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