Not so sweet home
Published on November 20th, 2002
STONEHAM, MA - Mounting complaints and conflicting Building Department reports stemming from a Pomeworth Street address have finally collided, and landed into the laps of the Stoneham Board of Selectmen. The Selectmen gathered with Stoneham Building Inspector Gene Argiro, and the unhappy tenant, Ann Puglia of 13 Pomeworth Street, and the tangled mess began to clear away at last week’s special Thursday night meeting of the Selectmen.
Puglia had been complaining for months that her landlord, Joseph Griecci of Woburn, was illegally doing work in the home without a permit. She charged that Griecci had replaced the ceiling in the unit upstairs from her, that he was slowly removing the chimney from the basement, that coal was getting swept into the heating ducts and tainting the breathing air in her apartment while also dumping a dusty, black film onto her curtains and her cats, that a strategically placed piece of wood in the basement was holding up the right side of the two floor home, that Griecci was negligent in providing locks for her doors and improperly installed windows in her apartment, and a host of other charges both big and small.
Puglia claims that Griecci has ignored the permitting process, and that Argiro is allowing him a free pass at 13 Pomeworth.
Building Inspector Gene Argiro, who has made a handful of visits to the house in the past year, inspected the basement last week, and concluded that, yes, Griecci did need a permit to remove the chimney, but found no other violations.
“The building is the same as the last time we were there, aside from the attempted removal of the chimney,” said Argiro before the Board. “The only thing that really needs a building permit is the removal of the chimney. I’ll be speaking with him about getting a permit for the work, and also giving the maximum triple fine of $90.”
“We (the building department) aren’t here to levy fines and to make enemies out of people in the town,” added Argiro. “We want to encourage people to come into the office and work with us, so we can make these buildings as safe as possible for the people in town.”
Argiro did mention that Griecci left while he was inspecting the basement, and was not present to allow him access to the upstairs. Argiro also stated that Griecci expressed hesitation when the building inspector requested an inspection of his Main Street apartment.
“He didn’t want us to go in the there in the next few weeks, but I think I might be able to get us in the there by Tuesday,” said Argiro. “I’ll speak with him, and I firmly believe you attract more bees with honey than salt.”
Argiro also stated that a court-ordered warrant would be required to enter either premises without the permission of Griecci.
Selectman Cosmo Ciccarello expressed a desire for the Building Department to perhaps draw up and distribute a list of permit requirements.
“The homeowner doesn’t understand what they do, and don’t need permits for,” said Ciccarello.
According to Argiro, the state frowns on creating lists of do’s and don’ts, but encourages any homeowners with questions to call or visit the office.
“Cheryl (Noble, Assistant Building Inspector) and myself are always there to answer questions about the permitting process,” said Argiro.
Town Administrator Dave Berry mentioned that the planned Stoneham government website would have links to building department regulations and guidelines, and could be an invaluable resource.
Puglia believed that ignorance wasn’t the case with Griecci, as, according to Puglia, he is a licensed contractor, and is well versed in the permitting process.
Selectmen Mary Pecoraro and Charlie Smith wondered aloud why Puglia’s complaints hadn’t been addressed earlier by Argiro’s department.
“She called and needed your help in mid-September, and here it is November, and you’re just inspecting the house. What do we say to the citizens?,” said Smith. “Oops, sorry we dropped the ball again.”
Argiro stated that health issues and a full plate had kept him from inspecting the house earlier, and that he wanted to accompany the Assistant Building Inspector on the inspection.
Puglia expressed her frustration at what she described as a “two year struggle living at 13 Pomeworth Street.”
“It’s very frustrating that it’s been going on for so long,” said Puglia. “There’s been a lot of strain and stress, awful headaches (that she attributes to coal coming through the vents), demerol shots at the hospital, and it also caused me to lose my job,” said Puglia. “I also have a tenant upstairs who will verify that the apartment was completely gutted, but he is afraid of retaliation.”
The Selectmen directed Argiro to continue his inspection at 13 Pomeworth Street, to fine Griecci for all applicable offenses, and to research several other topics broached by Puglia.
According to Puglia, the upstairs apartment is not zoned as a three bedroom apartment, and a business is being run out of the rear garage on the property. Puglia claims that Griecci charges storage fees for use of the garages, and that a backhoe is illegally being stored on the site.
Argiro stated that he believed that the apartment was a legal three bedroom apartment, and that the garage was used as a used car lot previous to its storage usage. If so, Argiro reasoned that the area was grand-fathered in as a pre-existing non-conforming use.
The Selectmen directed Argiro to research each of these issues further, and to furnish a report to them by their next meeting on November 26.
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