House Devastated by Fire to be Razed

Selectmen agreed tonight to raze the house at 5 North Main St. that was devastated by a Feb. 1  fire.

They agreed to the recommendations of a board that included Fire Chief Michael Gauthier, who told selectmen the building "needs to come down.'' 

He said the building was in such an unsafe condition, and prone to possible collapse, that he would not send firefighters into the structure. He also cited asbestos debris from the building that poses a potential problem in the neighborhood.

The report on the structure's condition, which reflected the opinions of the fire chief, a non-biased town resident, the building inspector and an architect, said "the building appears to be ready to collapse on itself.''

Town Administrator Timothy McInerney said the town sent notices to the bank that holds the mortgage and to the bank's insurance company  requesting they take action on the structure.

When no response arrived, he then informed them that the town was going to raze the building.

F&D Truck Co. Inc. of Millbury has agreed to do the work for no more than $30,000, which will be transferred from the reserve fund. 

The town will then attempt to sell the lot. This could prove problematic, selectmen said, because the lot, at 9,100 square feet, is less than the current required size. The setback from the road may not fit requirements either, they said.

Because this lot predates these requirements, they would likely by grandfathered, but only for two years. Selectmen said the issue could be tied up in court for longer than that.

Selectman Christopher LeMay said the town should not count on recouping its losses.

"Safetywise, it has to come down, but I'm just saying we may not get our money back.''

Selectman Mary Ann Cotton said that once the building's condition is publicly discussed, the town could be liable for any problems should no action be taken.

If someone went into the structure and was injured, the town could be "in for a world of hurt,'' she said.