Council presses code enforcement on mill building and long‑standing abandoned-vehicle complaints

Council members raised two persistent code‑enforcement issues during the Dec. 4 meeting: ongoing problems at the old mill building and long‑standing abandoned vehicles in residential areas.

Vice President Kiel and other council members said the town has sent multiple letters to the mill building owner and asked that the property be brought up to code or demolished if the owner does not comply. Council emphasized a preference to work cooperatively with the owner but noted the town retains enforcement tools such as abatement and liens if necessary.

Council also discussed an abandoned vehicle complaint on Homewood Avenue, adjacent to an elementary school. A council member said the vehicle "was supposed to be moved a month ago, and it's still sitting there" and added that the vehicle has likely been there "for at least 8 years." Staff said code enforcement is working the matter and will follow the town’s enforcement procedures.

Council members asked staff to circulate the enforcement letter and timelines to the full council. No new enforcement action (demolition, lien or abatement) was recorded as approved at the meeting; council asked staff to continue pursuing compliance under existing code procedures.