DALTON, Mass. — A residence located at 96 Anthony Road is facing condemnation unless the resident can make strides in cleaning the property to meet safety standards. 

 

Despite having concerns, the Board of Health this week agreed to give Gary Dill an additional four weeks to clean the property. 

 

The board previously approved a deadline of Aug. 14 to clean the kitchen, clear the egresses in all rooms, remove debris, repair the front stairs, and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, Health Agent Agnes Witkowski said. 

 

Due to an unexpected illness, cleaning of the property has been delayed, Dill said. 

 

The property's owner, Sandy Dill, said she agreed with her brother that there aren't structural concerns for the house. 

 

The town has been in communication with Dill for more than a year regarding the outside of the property. The shrubs are overgrown and a pine tree on the property is dead, Witkowski said.

 

The condition of the inside of the house was brought to the town's attention in June following an emergency call. The Fire Department determined that the state of the house was a safety concern for Dill and his wife. 

 

The board was concerned about approving this extension. Dill assured that progress would be made during the extension period. Witkowski has visited the house numerous times and will continue to make inspections, saying some progress has been made. 

 

The board will decide whether to condemn the property at its Sept. 13 meeting.