By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – An ordinance ensuring prompt remedial action after the occurrence of a devastating event, like the recent Broad Street fire, is being studied by the City Council Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee. The order, introduced by councilors Peter Juaire and Robert Tunnera at the Feb. 8 meeting, calls for councilors working with the building commissioner, code enforcement officer and city solicitor on drafting the document.
“Such an ordinance would provide tools for the code officer and other municipal officials to work with insurance companies and/or other professionals to expedite insurance and legal matters associated with such issues,” the order stated. “The Broad Street fire has shown the need for tighter controls when nearby residents also suffered after this tragic loss when the burnt out remains of the property stood long after the fire to become a blighted, rodent-infested, odorous site.”
“We allowed the building to stand too long,” Juaire said. “It wasn’t fair to the residents. The city should act more swiftly in handling these situations – not only fires but even when high winds cause damage to buildings, making them unsafe. There shouldn’t be an unsafe structure allowed to stand too long.”
