A vacant house at 25 Chilcott Place has become a fire danger and a blight on the neighborhood, say neighbors who have taken the property to Boston Housing Court.
A house that has stood vacant and unsecured for 10 years has become a haven for squatters who appear to be grilling food inside the second-floor living room.
That's what a neighbor found Sunday night as he took photos inside the house at 25 Chilcott Place. The property was scheduled to be discussed at Boston Housing Court Monday at the Edward Brooke Courthouse, 24 Chardon St.
"The property is currently not secured and has significant evidence of squatters and drug use on the premises," wrote Michael Iceland in an email to JP Patch. "This is not acceptable in our neighborhood (or any part of our city)."
Residents of the Chilcott Place/Granada Park Neighborhood Watch have petitioned the city to have the property put into receivership after what they say is 10 years of the owner, John Darling, letting the property decay.
Attached to this post are two letters from neighbors detailing problems with the property, including two fires in the last 20 years.
Derryl
3:33 pm on Monday, May 21, 2012
The Problem Properties meetings at Boston Police area E13 have been extremely helpful about houses like the one described. All of the important city agencies and representatives, as well as the police, attend.
Brandon
8:01 am on Tuesday, May 22, 2012
52 Montebello has had similar problems and E13/the city has been extremely helpful here as well. Neighbors are also looking to escalate their complaints after a party two weeks ago had to be broken up and caused damage to neighboring houses. Inspectional Services came out to board the house back up. I hope readers of these articles focus on the ACTIVE, INVESTED neighbors rather than the "owners" who abandon these houses. 52 Montebello still has ladders up inside and half-baked renovations. Thanks to the neighbors on Chilcott for their work.
Chris Helms
10:59 am on Tuesday, May 22, 2012
That's a great, point, Brandon. Thanks.