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Date: 6/22/2017
HAMPDEN – The Hampden Senior Center held a “senior issues” discussion on Monday where seniors could discuss any problems they have noticed with state Rep. Brian Ashe. While Ashe is currently suffering from a form of eye infection and wasn’t able to make the meeting, legislative aide Robin Frechette came in his place to answer concerns.
Phil Grant, a member of Hampden’s Council on Aging, had concerns regarding the difficulty that Title 5 poses for seniors who decide to sell their homes in an effort to downsize or move down south.
According to mass.gov, Title 5 is a Massachusetts State Environmental code that regulates septic systems and the disposal and transport of sanitary sewage.
Grant brought his compiled folder of all of the paperwork he’s collected, forms he’s had to fill out, and bills he’s had to pay to comply with Title 5 guidelines.
“All of this has to be done before you even stick a shovel in the ground. This isn’t just a senior issue, it’s a retiree issue, too,” Grant said.
If homes are inspected prior to sale and the home doesn’t match up to Title 5 standards, homeowners are stuck with a hefty bill to replace their septic systems.
Karla Grant, Phil’s wife, agreed with her husband.
“There should be some sort of senior citizen rebate. It’s a bad deal for senior citizens,” Karla said.
Ted Zebert noted that while septic systems can be grandfathered in and not have to be changed, this is only until the houses are put up for sale.
Frechette actively took notes on the seniors concerns and will be bringing them to Ashe.