The City of Bradford Board of Health declared 142 High Street a public nuisance during a meeting Tuesday.
The home, owned by Sarah Howard, is unoccupied. Health Director Mike Cleveland reported that the residence has been an issue for roughly a decade, as it began as a rental and was sold to the tenant when concerns were raised. Currently, there is garbage inside the home, along with damage caused by the roof leaking. Cleveland also stated there are visible holes in the roof and a rear wall missing, with exposed insulation. He also stated there is evidence of animals getting into the structure.
Cleveland explained the residence was brought to the attention of the Department of Property Maintenance and Inspection by the owner of a nearby property, who believes the cost of demolition can be reduced by demolishing both properties at once.
Photos of the residence at 142 High Street, taken May 3, were entered as evidence. The board unanimously voted to deem the house a public nuisance.
Another homeowner on High Street, Kimm Brown, was given a 60-day extension on her property at 50 High Street.
Brown reported that the hole in the roof of the residence has been patched, but no progress was made on selling the property because interested parties had not returned her calls.
The board requested city inspectors visit the property again to provide a detailed report on the condition of the property to Brown, at which time the 60-day extension will begin. Brown will be required to allow the inspector access to the interior of the residence as a stipulation of the extension. At the end of the extension, Brown will be required to show the board she has either sold the property or made significant progress on resolving the issues of concern related to the structure.
Cleveland noted that at the time of the previous inspection, concerns included the structure was a fire hazard, attracted animals and insects and was not maintained in compliance with the city’s maintenance ordinances.
In old business, the property at 101 Main Street was discussed. Cleveland explained the owner has been granted access daily to make repairs. However, during two walk-throughs, Cleveland has not seen notable progress. Therefore, the city’s solicitor has been contacted to begin efforts to levy fines.
