By Local Journalism Reporter Tyler Waugh
Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove town council has asked for more information before making a final decision on moving ahead with a structural assessment of a rundown property on Main Street.
Council was told at the September 8 public meeting that it is required under the Towns and Local Service Districts Act to obtain a structural assessment before proceeding with removal of the dilapidated property.
The Town has been quoted $1,000 for the assessment and an additional $500 if it wants a second property on Big Hill assessed as well. The process was further complicated by the fact legal counsel advised the Town it could not recoup expenses by just adding those costs to the property taxes and would instead have to go to small claims court or register a lien on the property.
“This one appears to be more difficult than originally thought,” CAO Mandy Dinn told council. “To be honest with you, the Town hasn’t moved to remove a building since I have been here. I believe we’ve sent an order and the individual removed it themselves, so we’ve never had to do it, to my knowledge.”
Councillor Todd Chafe couldn’t believe the Town could possibly be on the hook for the costs. Mayor Ed Dyke said that, even if the Town ends up paying the costs, something needs to be done about the building in the name of community safety.
“As you look at the building it is a safety hazard and there is a laneway next to it and that could possibly be a safety hazard,” said Dyke. “I think it will be money well spent to keep this process going. We have one good snowfall on that and it probably might collapse.”
Council directed Dinn to inquire as to how much it would cost for legal services to register a lien. It is believed the costs associated with the assessment and removal, including legal costs, could be included in the lien.
The Town had sent a repair or removal order to the owner of 29 Main Road in May via email and regular mail, and Dinn advised in June meeting that the email notice had been received. Council then made a motion to have a lawyer send another 14-day notice.
Mayor Dyke recalled council going through the same scenario a few years back with the same property owner, noting it took two to three years before action was taken by the individual.
