by Frank Schroth

The Board of Selectmen met last Tuesday and one thing was clear; everyone was confused. At one point member Keohane said, “I am just trying to figure out what we are doing here.” The sole agenda topic was the demolition of the Hendries building, which is has become Milton’s version of the La Brea tar pit. Any town official who comes into contact with it seems to get stuck and unable to move.

Mr. Prondak of Inspectional Services and Bill Clark, Planning Director were also at the session and recapped the situation for the selectmen. In July Mr. Prondak sent a letter to Carrick Realty stating that the building was unsafe and either had to come down or be made safe. Owners have until noon the following day to commence taking action to address the issue. The Connelly’s (ie Carrick Realty) filed a demo application and the assumption of town officials was that the process was moving forward. However, a couple days later Carrick Realty also filed suit against the town according to Mr. Prondak. Mr. Keohane asked “Why would he file an application to demolish and then file suit against the town?”

Connelly did not inform the town of the challenge to the demolition letter. Prondak contacted the MBTA to determine process and requirements they would have for removal of the building, a portion of which is owned by the town. The hope had been that the two parties, Connelly and the town, would take down their respective pieces jointly. In a tour of the building, which Hurley described as looking like Swiss cheese, Connelly was reported to have stated that the building was unsafe an needed to be brought down.

In any event, Connelly is challenging the need to take down his portion of the building. Prondak has sited a partial collapse as one of the reasons for needing to take down the building. However, there is not agreement on where the collapse is. Hurley argued that the point was somewhat moot in that the entire building was unsafe and had to come down.

Connelly has appealed the decision but Chair Hurley said that he (Connelly) “has no basis for appeal even though he has filed one.” This is apparently because the Board never voted to affirm the demolition order. They did on the 20th. The vote was unanminous.

In making the vote Keohane noted someone needed to “take control” and Hurley said the action would move the process forward.