Council presses enforcement of boarding standards after repeated fires at Elmwood Crossing

Council members pressed city staff to enforce boarding standards after repeated incidents of arson and unauthorized entry at vacant buildings.

A council member recounted that a doorway at Saint Anne's was inadequately boarded and that the building suffered fires twice in six months. The member asked whether the city is holding property owners accountable to code and whether newly contracted board-ups will comply with code requirements. "If we, as a city, actually follow our own code and charter, we probably wouldn't have these types of issues so much," the council member said, adding that following code might allow the city to collect costs from negligent owners.

Commissioner Lou Petrucci told the committee that the Secretary of the Interior's boarding-up guidance is treated as a "gold standard" and described the city's specifications: "0.5 inch exterior grade plywood... painted... multiple types of fasteners" to prevent prying and to improve durability. Petrucci said those specifications are intended to reduce repeat visits and protect neighbors. The committee requested follow-up about enforcement steps taken when owners fail to meet the city's boarding specifications and asked inspectors to report findings in writing.