ADAMS, Mass. — The Board of Health has ordered the demolition of 8 Valley St., saying it is unfit for habitation.

 

The board voted Wednesday to have it torn down after Code Enforcement Officer Mark Blaisdell said the structure posed an immediate danger.

 

"I think it is pretty clear it is in pretty bad shape," board member Peter Hoyt said. 

 

Blaisdell said he received permission from the owner to visit the site. He was only able to take pictures from the exterior because the building was not safe to enter.

 

"The dwelling is not fit for human habitation, and It could become a nuisance or a cause of sickness of home accidents to the occupants or to the public," he said. "... immediate demolition or removal of  the structure is needed to protect the health and safety of the neighborhood."

 

He said he also spoke with a former code enforcement officer, Scott Koczela, who agreed with his findings 

 

The board made a few votes that gives the property owner 90 days to demolish the structure. After that, Blaisdell said the town can take action to demolish it on its own if the owner fails to do so. 

 

In other business, the board denied a request from Original Seed Cigar Lounge to operate a popup cigar shop at events such as Ramblefest.

 

Chairman David Roads said only permanent establishments can sell tobacco products per the town regulations.

 

"We have spent a lot of time investigating the possibility, and we have come to this conclusion from our town code," he said. "We are together with this. It is just not possible."

 

They took no vote on the matter.

 

Before closing, the board touched on Halloween.

 

Rhoads said he was asked by an Elks member if it was possible to hold some sort of Halloween event for children.

 

The board agreed it was a discussion for a later meeting as the COVID-19 health data fluctuates but members felt the standard trick-or-treat may be possible this year with some guidelines to safeguard the public.

 

Rhoads said people should maintain distance from each other, stay outdoors, and remain in their own social circles.