In Plymouth, after failing decisively at Town Meeting last fall, the Nuisance Bylaw is being re-written. The intent of that bylaw was to give the Town a tool to get rid of derelict buildings, such as the old Bert’s Restaurant near the entrance to Plymouth Beach. Selectman Kevin Canty has taken the lead in revising the bylaw.
WATD’s Bobbi Clark has more…
Selectman Kevin Canty says the failed bylaw dealt with not just buildings but also some overgrowth of vegetation issues:
“People thought it was going to be neighbor versus neighbor in ways that they didn’t like. So this modified text removes those aspects—the vegetation and the neighbor versus neighbor aspect and focuses really on the main issue that we’re seeing which is buildings, vacant buildings, dilapidated buildings, unsafe structures that are attractive nuisances and fire hazards.”
Selectman Canty says the bylaw would empower enforcement authorities, such as Inspectional Services, the Fire, Police and Health Departments…
“…to make an assessment, to issue a violation, putting them on notice that they have to remedy the situation or that they could get further violations or other adverse actions, give them an opportunity to respond, give them an opportunity to appeal if they choose, if they disagree with the assessment.”
And if they fail to do those things…
“Then the Town would have the ability to make repairs to the structure, demolish the structure and to pass the expenses of that on to the property owner of record.”
The Select Board made their first review of the current text of the bylaw at their meeting on the 25th…
“Town Counsel was there. We expect to have one or two more hearings on the text before it’s put on the warrant.”
The Select Board welcomes public input on this matter.
In Plymouth, Bobbi Clark, WATD News.
