Owner gets last chance to fix derelict building

BREWER – Brewer city councilors Tuesday approved an order to push the owner of a derelict building at 38 State St. into improving the property.

Since 1997 the building has been boarded up without heat and represents an eyesore to city residents and officials, Code Enforcement Officer David Russell said Tuesday during a public hearing held to decide whether the building was a nuisance or was unsafe.

“Nothing has been done to this site for seven years,” he said.

The structure was deemed unfit for human habitation in July 1996.

Property owner David Gauvin asked the council for a little time to try to sell the property, and, after considerable discussion, he was granted 60 days.

“We agree that the property is in disrepair but it’s not beyond repair,” said attorney Timothy Pease, who is representing Gauvin.

Gauvin, who describes his property as a “proud old building that is just as rugged as the day is long,” said he has been hit by unexpected changes to his life over the last couple of years, including being laid off, that have prevented him from improving the building. He said he would do whatever the council wants to resolve the issue.

“I’ll admit I made some real mistakes with this property,” he said.

The plan is to sell the property to someone who has the funds to refurbish it, Gauvin said. There are several offers on the table, he said.

“Give me a few months,” he said. “If I can’t come up with a plan … then I’ll demolish it.”

If Gauvin fails to come up with a plan to fix or sell the property within the 60 days, the order gives the city the right to demolish the building.

During the meeting, the council also:

. Recognized Kyla Bailey for being a Girl Scout Silver Award recipient; Alfred “Al” Dall for his work to get visible Veterans Remembrance Bridge signs erected; and former city employee Pete Spencer, who worked for the city’s public works department until Dec. 10, for 17 years of outstanding service.

. Purchased 2.1 acres on Green Point Road for $9,500 for a future sand shed.

. Accepted $1,000 from Wal-Mart for the Brewer Fire Department’s equipment replacement fund and $475 from the Rose and Samuel Rudman Library Trust for the Brewer Public Library.

. Terminated the police mutual aid agreement with Eddington because the town no longer has a full-time police force.

. Approved liquor licenses for Brookside Grill, 554 South Main St.; Noodles and Company, 492 Wilson St.; and Rockin’ Ron’s 50’s and 60’s Lounge and Diner, 453 Wilson St., which also was approved for an amusement license.

. Amended the Adult Use Establishment ordinance to prohibit those convicted of several criminal offenses – including prostitution, indecency with a child, domestic assault, and unlawful possession, use or distribution of a controlled substance – from owning and managing adult use establishments within the city.