Woolwich selectmen will give a property owner 30 days to demolish an abandoned house and clean up the lot or the town will take possession of it.

The action followed a public hearing Monday, July 18 at the town office. The hearing was called to address concerns about the condition of the building on Old Arrowsic Road.

Code Enforcement Officer Bruce Engert was directed to notify Ruth Oliver, the owner of record, in writing before the end of the week. Neither Oliver, nor anyone representing her, attended the hearing at the town office.

Engert told the newspaper he’d made several attempts to contact Oliver. “I’ve sent notices by certified mail with return receipt to two different addresses, one in the town of Poland and another in North Carolina.” They were signed for, but Engert said he’d received no correspondence in return. Engert added he didn’t have a telephone number for Oliver.

“The building is ready to fall into itself,” he added.

Lynette Eastman, town administrator, said selectmen would place a special assessment on the property that requires payment much like a tax bill. If the property owner doesn't pay the assessment within 30 days, a lien will be placed on the property, which then acts the same as a tax lien.

David King Sr., selectmen’s chairman, said the house has been vacant and deteriorating for years. He told the newspaper Oliver had paid her property taxes on the lot. Notification of the hearing was sent to the same address her tax bill goes to.

In response to complaints about the condition of the house, the town posted no trespassing signs there and a plastic orange fence around it. King said selectmen were concerned about kids or curiosity seekers getting into the building.

After selectmen discussed the town’s options with the code enforcement officer, they agreed to declare the house both a “nuisance” and “dangerous.” This was the first step required for the town taking possession of the property, he explained.

The next step requires the town to notify Oliver in writing she has 30 days to tear down and clean up the property, or have repairs done to make the structure safe.

“If the owner doesn’t comply with the town’s request, we’ll take steps to acquire the property. We’ll then advertise for bids to tear down the house and clean up the lot,” added King.

If the bids are under $10,000, selectmen will pay for the work out of the town’s contingency account. If it’s more, King thought a special town meeting might be needed.

“There’s no question this may wind up costing the town money but something has to be done about it,” he added. “If the town ends up owning it we’ll be able to sell the lot and recoup some of our money.”