Westport moving forward with demolition of abandoned buildings

The town continues to move forward with demolition of two abandoned buildings and is considering how to move forward on demolishing what remains of the former McCraes clam shack on Route 6.

The Board of Selectmen on Monday night continued hearings on abandoned buildings at 155 Gifford Road and 2 Russell St. Selectmen will discuss the matter further in 90 days.

Both buildings are in bad shape, but the house on Russell Street is particularly bad, with large sections of the roof gone.

The house on Gifford Road has been boarded up, Building Inspector Ralph Souza said. Im satisfied with that.

As for the house on Russel Street, things are more complicated since no one can locate all the people whose names appear on the deed.

I want to talk to town counsel about that, Souza said.

Other than the difficulty of finding all the owners, Souza said things are going well on Russell Street, saying the powers been cut off, the rodents have been exterminated and any owners who can be located have been served with papers announcing the demolition.

Theyve been put on notice by me and the fire department, Souza said. As for Gifford Road, Souza said action is forthcoming, not just for the house but for the land.

Theyre trying to sell it, Souza said. First, they have to settle a boundary line suit. Until they get the boundary set, they cant sell the property.

Selectmen questioned Souza about the once famous McCraes clam shack, likewise derelict.

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Westport moving forward with demolition of abandoned buildings