Board tables condemning rental units

Photo: Kayla Collins

CONDEMNABLE – A multi-unit apartment building at 168 Main Street in Norway across from Stephens Memorial Hospital could be condemned if the health and safety concerns are not addressed by the landlord. Selectmen at their October 4 meeting agreed to hold off on condemning the building to allow the landlord, Patrick McInnis, time to address the issues. 

NORWAY — The town will hold off on condemning a Main Street apartment building, with direction of the town's Code Enforcement Officer Joelle Corey-Whitman, selectmen decided during their meeting October 4.

"The code officer is hopeful enough the landlord is now making some strides to make improvements," said Town Manager David Holt. 

"These concerns are serious," he said.

He pointed out that Corey-Whitman makes a good effort to work with landowners to fix issues before taking action and said he was pleased with Corey-Whitman's performance. 

According to Corey-Whitman, the building is owned by Patrick McInnis who lives at that same address. 

In a letter to McInnis on September 28, Corey-Whitman told him she will re-inspect the building once the necessary repairs and updates are completed. 

After a public hearing concerning the health and safety violations at the multi-unit apartment building, selectmen were scheduled to vote whether to evict the tenants and condemn the building at 168 Main Street. 

According to Holt, McInnis has been helping tenants find homes and making the necessary repairs to the building. 

At a planning board meeting September 13, Corey-Whitman said the landlord has been operating the apartments without the required rental occupancy permit. 

Holt told selectmen the property has a history of code violations. According to published reports, Corey-Whitman discussed the code violations with McInnis a year ago and was assured the building would be fixed. 

A year later, Corey-Whitman returned to the property and learned the problems hadn't been addressed. Under the town's rental occupancy ordinance, this gives the town the authority to evict the tenants and to condemn the property. 

"If occupancy continues without the benefit of the occupancy permit the Selectmen may initiate condemnation, eviction or other legal proceedings," the permit reads. 

"In this event, the owner or person responsible for the violation of this ordinance will be liable for all court and other costs, including interest and any costs incurred by the relocation of occupants." 

Holt said holding off on condemnation of the building gives the landlord a chance to fulfill his promise and means no legal expenses will be incurred. 

Holt told selectmen that Corey-Whitman recommended the condemnation be tabled. Selectmen will return to the issue in a couple of weeks, he said.