313 Main St. Chronology of Events

TO: Bristol City Council

FROM: Guy R. Morin, Chief Building Official

SUBJECT: Order to Demolish

RE: 313 Main Street

DATE: November 13, 2007

The following is a chronology of events leading up to the demolition of the structure on the property known as 313 Main Street, Bristol, CT.

1) The first building permit was issued on 6/14/2004 to “Transport historic structure to new location on Main Street. Building moved on or about June 24, 2004. Completed and closed.
2) A second building permit was issued on 11/15/2004 for: “Foundation for existing 25 X 41 house with a rear 16 X 25 capped addition (no structure above)”. Completed and closed.
3) A third building permit was issued on 8/30/2005 for a 8 X 8 front porch was never constructed, so it expired after 180 days per section 105.5 of the State Building Code.
4) May 21, 2007 - I spoke with Mr. Karl about the status of the structure. Advised him that there wasn’t a valid building permit to allow him to work on the property. He stated that he intended to make a museum.
5) June 4, 2007- Memo to Jeff Steeg regarding conversation with Mr. Karl on the progress of the project.
6) June 25, 2007 – received copy of memo from Jeff Steeg to Mayor Stortz.
7) I’m on vacation from the 4th of July until July 21st.
8) August 3, 2007 – Met Mr. Karl at property advised him again that he needed to “declare” the use of the property and apply for the applicable permits. He said he understood.
9) August 6, 2007 – Sent first warning letter to Mr. Karl re-affirming our conversation on the 3rd.
10) August 14, 2007 – City Council Meeting, Council expresses concern regarding the status of the property.
11) August 23, 2007 – Site inspection of property with Don Angersola (Building Inspector) where we observed numerous structural defects from work performed by Mr. Karl. Warning letter was sent certified and posted on property detailing violations.
12) August 27, 2007 – Memo from Mayor Stortz to Attorney Krawieki regarding the possible demolition of the building.
13) August 28, 2007 – Memo to Corporation Counsel from me detailing that day’s site inspection regarding the temporary safeguards I had installed and my conversation with Mr. Karl.
14) September 12, 2007 – E-Mail from me to Jeff Steeg reporting a conversation with Mr. Karl in this office regarding the submittal of plans prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.
15) September 14, 2007 – E-Mail from me to Jeff Steeg with attached memo requesting a meeting with the Mayor and Corp. Counsel because of my concerns that Mr. Karl did not understand basic construction practices and someone may be injured on the property.
16) Note from Mayor on my September 14th memo expressing his concerns.
17) September 28, 2007 – Memo to Jeff Steeg summarizing the lack of comprehensive building plans and my anxiety about Mr. Karl’s competency.
18) September 29, 2007 – E-Mail from Mayor Stortz directing Jeff Steeg and I to resolve issues.
19) October 3, 2007 – Memo to Mayor from me directing the Demolition of the building.
20) October 3, 2007 – Certified letter to Ken Karl “Notice of Condemnation” along with copy of the memo to the Mayor.
21) October 18, 2007 – Two letters from Ken Karl, one dated October 2nd, the other dated October 15th. The letters do not provide any of the information required to stop the demolition of the building.
22) October 19, 2007 – Letter from me to Mr. Karl, outlining the entire enforcement events which lead up to the order to demolish, and a last opportunity to stop the demolition by taking some valid actions.
23) November 8, 2007 – Re-inspection of the building with Officer Thomas Lavigne present. Rear section of building had partially collapsed, still open to weather from holes in the roof resulting in the failure of large sections of ceiling. Floors dangerously sloped, and there is additional indication that Mr. Karl has removed more structural support members. We find evidence of someone occupying structure, building not secure and there are empty food containers as well as a bed with obvious personal items. I call Greg Laviero of Laviero Construction and we survey the building. We come to a consensus that the structure has had a catastrophic failure and cannot be repaired. I order the building immediately demolished and authorize the work to take place.

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com