Owner of 817 Maryland Avenue cleared to pursue reconstruction after engineer's affidavit; board grants 60 days to submit plans

The building board considered the aftermath of a second'story fire at 817 Maryland Avenue and, after reviewing an engineer's affidavit that found the first'floor concrete block areas sound, agreed to let the owner pursue reconstruction with a 60'day timeline to present plans.

Building official Steven Woodworth said he "can't argue with a licensed engineer," referencing an affidavit from Charles Adams included in the agenda that stated the slab and block walls were sound enough to salvage. Woodworth told the board the demolition contractor had removed the second floor and that debris cleanup is largely complete; he asked the owner to secure the site and post no'trespassing notices until construction begins.

The property owner, sworn to testify, said she intends to rebuild a ground'floor duplex and a framed second story and that she had consulted contractors but could not sign a contract until an architect provided plans. The board discussed whether to give 30 or 60 days for a plan; members settled on 60 days for the owner to develop a plan, satisfy the building official, and return for follow'up. The motion to allow 60 days passed unanimously by roll call.