Pilgrim Village owner urges enforcement after windows rot; association begins repairs ahead of April reinspection
March 10, 2026 | Westford Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts
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The Westford Board of Health on March 9 heard testimony from Pilgrim Village condo owner John Fitch, who said an enforcement letter citing rotting exterior wood around his unit had been issued and that he expects enforcement to be carried through.
Mr. Fitch said he believes the property’s trustees and management have for decades avoided responsibility for exterior maintenance and that recent filings show the association "acquiesced" by not filing a 7‑day appeal. He told the board the association’s failure to contest the enforcement letter could mean it has forfeited some avenues for judicial relief.
Staff health agent Ray Skitt told the board the department inspected the property after a complaint in early January, took photographs and issued a citation requiring repairs within 30 days; town counsel advised staff to issue orders to both the association and the owner when responsibility is disputed and to refer unresolved cases to housing court. "We cited the association for the repairs within 30 days, for reinspection," Ray said.
Joanne, a board member, and other members said the management company had already agreed to undertake repairs and that work had begun; Ray confirmed the board approved an April timeline for completion and that the department will reinspect and provide Mr. Fitch with inspection records and a closure letter when the work is complete.
The board did not take a separate formal enforcement vote at the meeting; Ray said the department will follow up, issue closure documentation to both parties when appropriate and advised Mr. Fitch he may pursue housing court if statutory remedies are needed.
Board members asked Mr. Fitch to limit legal commentary in the forum and focused discussion on the department’s inspection plan and timeline for reinspection.
The department will monitor the repairs and perform a reinspection once the association notifies staff that both replacement and repainting are complete.
Mr. Fitch said he believes the property’s trustees and management have for decades avoided responsibility for exterior maintenance and that recent filings show the association "acquiesced" by not filing a 7‑day appeal. He told the board the association’s failure to contest the enforcement letter could mean it has forfeited some avenues for judicial relief.
Staff health agent Ray Skitt told the board the department inspected the property after a complaint in early January, took photographs and issued a citation requiring repairs within 30 days; town counsel advised staff to issue orders to both the association and the owner when responsibility is disputed and to refer unresolved cases to housing court. "We cited the association for the repairs within 30 days, for reinspection," Ray said.
Joanne, a board member, and other members said the management company had already agreed to undertake repairs and that work had begun; Ray confirmed the board approved an April timeline for completion and that the department will reinspect and provide Mr. Fitch with inspection records and a closure letter when the work is complete.
The board did not take a separate formal enforcement vote at the meeting; Ray said the department will follow up, issue closure documentation to both parties when appropriate and advised Mr. Fitch he may pursue housing court if statutory remedies are needed.
Board members asked Mr. Fitch to limit legal commentary in the forum and focused discussion on the department’s inspection plan and timeline for reinspection.
The department will monitor the repairs and perform a reinspection once the association notifies staff that both replacement and repainting are complete.
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