Resident urges seat on oversight committee, cites maintenance problems at Linden Terrace

Ross Donald, who identified himself as a resident of Chambers Street’s Linden Chambers development and president of the Residents Association, asked the Select Board appointment process to consider him for the resident commissioner seat the board will fill.

"My name is Ross Donald. I'm a resident of Chambers Street, Linden Chambers development. I'm president of the Residents Association," Donald said during public comment, adding that several residents are seeking the seat.

Donald told the committee he recently learned of maintenance deficiencies at Linden Terrace. He said a health inspector confirmed safety hazards such as potholes, which prompted corrective action from the housing authority.

"This is a clear and obvious hazard," Donald said of the potholes, and described how taking the issue to inspectors led to repairs. He told the committee the residents association wants stronger resident representation on oversight bodies so problems will be placed on agendas and addressed.

Donald also raised a long-standing zoning-use violation at 164 Linden Street, saying the fines and fees associated with resolving it would cost roughly $600 and that the residents association cannot afford that amount.

The committee did not take action on the appointment during the meeting; Donald said he has filed complaints and will pursue administrative options if necessary. The chair thanked him for his comments and noted that public comment is normally directed to the board and the Select Board will handle appointments.

Next steps: the Select Board will move forward with its appointment process for the resident commissioner seat; the committee did not make or announce a recommendation at the March 9 meeting.