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By Katelyn Gendron Reminder Assistant Editor WEST SPRINGFIELD Where several houses once stood in Precincts 1 and 2 as classic symbols of "The American Dream," each have since transformed into stark examples of how structurally unsound that dream can become. Almost a dozen homes -- located on Merrick, Union, Bridge, Newbridge, Russell, Elm and Park streets -- in this area have been abandoned for several years, creating health and safety hazards within otherwise well kept neighborhoods These conditions have prompted the Precinct 1 and 2 Steering Committee to call a neighborhood meeting with town officials next month to explain how the houses might transition back into functioning neighborhood residences. Jeanne Galloway, director of the Health Department, said she and other town officials have had extensive difficulties locating each property's responsible party. She explained that each property has its own unique story, which has led to an interdepartmental investigation between the Health, Legal, Building and Collection departments to locate the owners or next of kin. The town has boarded up the first floor windows and doors at several locations to prevent illegal entry but further action such as demolition, reconstruction, foreclosure or auction cannot be taken until responsible parties are located, notified and a legal course of action has been settled, according to Patrick Moore, director of the Building Department. "These are resolvable situations but not quick fixes," Kathleen O'Brien-Moore, tax collector, said, adding that these legal processes can take years, not weeks. "If it's [the property] a liability no one wants to step up to the plate [and take responsibility]," Moore said. "Proving who's the responsible party can be a very time consuming process." O'Brien-Moore said she has been working with other departments on several houses such as the residence located at 45 Bridge St. She explained that this property has been one of concern for several years and came to her attention because no property taxes have been paid for over one year. Galloway said this location is in significant disrepair from years of neglect and has become structurally unsound. The windows and doors on the ground floor have been boarded up and a sign posted by the town warns trespassers of the building's unstable condition. The second floor windows have been shattered; graffiti on one side of the house provides additional color to the house's chipped blue paint; and overgrown brush, weeds and garbage such as an old Christmas tree and tires have claimed the side and back yards. O'Brien-Moore explained that even though the town has located the owner of this property she is mentally incapable of making decisions regarding the location. O'Brien-Moore said the owner has no living relatives. She said the town is petitioning the courts to grant the owner a legal guardian in order to eventually move the property to a new owner. O'Brien-Moore explained that in the event of delinquent taxes at the end of each fiscal year she is obligated to put a lien on each property with a 16 percent interest rate. She said the town can then have the opportunity to foreclose on the properties, however, if the owner is located, alive and mentally capable of making decisions regarding the property the town has no right to foreclose on the location. Galloway said her concern is for the health and safety hazards at each property. She said her biggest concerns are the properties at 45 Bridge St. and 110 Newbridge St. Galloway explained that she has received many complaints from residents about illegal dumping of waste at the sites, therefore posing a health hazard. She said the property at 110 Newbridge St. also poses a safety hazard because pieces of its chimney have fallen onto occupied property. Galloway noted, however, that the chimney is not in danger of falling down completely. Galloway said that she is working diligently to provide Precinct 1 and 2 residents with the most up-to-date information possible. She said she is hoping that by the next Precinct 1 and 2 neighborhood meeting on March 11 she will have concrete information to share with residents. Lillian Hillman of the Precinct 1 and 2 Steering Committee -- a member for over two decades -- said she has seen a recent influx of vacant or abandoned houses in the area. She explained that growing up in this neighborhood she always knew her neighbors but attributes the increasing number of dilapidated houses to absentee landlords and the rising cost of repairs. Hillman said she and approximately six other members of the Steering Committee have been working to "Revive the Pride" of the neighborhood. This campaign is one of many throughout the year, she explained, which motivate neighbors to better care for their properties. "We work toward making the neighborhood a better place to live," Hillman said. "It's always been a good neighborhood but has a bad reputation." She said the committee hosts an annual Easter egg hunt to promote neighborhood interaction; annual winter holiday light and decoration contests to promote the holiday spirit and aesthetically pleasing homes; and annual lawn and garden contests to promote quality property care. Hillman said the committee is also working toward a youth anti-litter campaign for later this year. The next Precinct 1 and 2 neighborhood meeting will take place on March 11 at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. | ||||||
