Board grants 30-day extension for repairs at 44 Elm Street after inspection

The East Longmeadow Board of Health voted on Sept. 17 to grant the owner of 44 Elm Street an additional 30-day extension to complete required corrective repairs, moving the compliance deadline to Oct. 17, 2026.

Inspector Alex reported a Sept. 15 visit with the building inspector and said several fire-safety items related to second means of egress could be closed because the house is "grandfathered" for those features. Alex added that one new violation was cited for a bathroom leak. Alex read a written statement from owner Laura Stevens saying the tenants had refused to vacate despite a court-ordered eviction scheduled for Oct. 8. "They currently have 5 adults in 1 bedroom apartment, and any repairs if I were to gain access quickly be undone by them," Alex said, quoting Stevens' statement. Stevens told the board she has a contractor ready to begin work after sheriff-enforced removal and hopes to have the unit ready to rent by Nov. 1.

Chair moved the motion to grant the extension; the board conducted a roll-call vote with Christine Johnston, Doctor Katie Jovins and Rebecca Torsha recorded as voting "aye." The motion passed and the board recorded the new compliance date of Oct. 17, 2026.

Board members discussed scheduling a possible follow-up meeting if repairs are not completed after the sheriff's action. No other enforcement steps were adopted at this meeting.

Clarifying details: the owner reported eight months without rent, eviction is scheduled for Oct. 8, 2026, work to begin Oct. 9 and the owner anticipates re-renting by Nov. 1, 2026. The inspector closed two egress items as "grandfathered" but added one citation for a leaking bathroom.