Mayor's Code Enforcement Committee Meeting (October 19, 2026)

The Mayor's Code Enforcement Committee met on October 19, 2026, at 9:02 AM to discuss routine approvals, property code enforcement updates, and public concerns. The meeting adjourned at 9:21 AM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (September 10, 2026): The committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the prior meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Troy Gaswin (Connecticut Tenants Union, 142 South Main Street): Advocated for raising code violation fines from the current $100 to $2,000, stating that existing fines are insignificant and not consistently enforced, putting tenant safety at risk (e.g., fires, falls). Urged the committee to work with the union.
• Luke Bellanakos (Connecticut Tenants Union): Alerted the committee that several residents at 142 South Main Street received notices from the Middletown Housing Authority that, due to the elevator decommissioning, their apartments may no longer meet HUD regulations for subsidized units, potentially forcing nine households to relocate. Expressed concern for the displaced residents.

Discussion Items

• 830 Bow Lane: An update on a trailer on a property where people were living. The office is working with zoning (Tom) to gain access and identify the owner. The attorney’s office indicated the matter is almost finalized and ready for submission within a week.
• 142 South Main Street: Multiple departments reported:
  • Health Department: Issued a legal order on September 2, 2026, after a water leak, requiring air quality testing prior to interior repair. Deadline for compliance is November 6, 2026, pending roof completion.
  • Fire Department: A monthly inspection noted a removed emergency light and open junction box, which were corrected. Emergency lighting was added. The property manager reported installation of a new boiler system and that the roof repair is expected to be 100% complete by mid-to-late October.
  • Fire Life Safety Annual Inspection: All violations from the annual inspection were corrected within the 30-day period; the property is up to par.
  • Building Official (Dean): Working with the state building inspector on the elevator issue. The elevator is not covered under current state codes (adopted for buildings 5+ stories). The state is being consulted on possible enforcement. The building is three stories; the first floor is above the entryway, making stairs difficult for some residents.
  • Roof: The property manager stated the roof will be complete by mid-to-late October, after which the water-damaged sheetrock in the hallway will be replaced.
• 572 Saybrook Road (South Fire): An overcrowding issue in a two-family home. The committee is trying to gain access; they prefer an easy resolution before seeking an administrative warrant.
• 1171 Randolph: A facility that changed from storage/mercantile to assembly use (10 events per year approved by zoning). The owner is bringing the facility up to code compliance during the off-season (winter) and will work with Austin Building. An inspection will follow in spring.
• PD Metro Square: The Mayor’s office determined there is no code enforcement authority to force removal of tables/benches at Metro Square. The police will continue additional patrols to address street-level crime. Item removed from agenda.
• Office of the General Council:
  • 455 & 465 Middlefield Street: Oral argument was heard in court two weeks prior; the judge has four months to issue a decision on whether code violations are upheld and fines awarded.
  • Second Municipal Action (Landlords renting to unlicensed cannabis sellers): The action failed before the Board of Health. It is now before the Public Safety Committee and will eventually go to the Common Council for a vote. The committee will monitor progress.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved unanimously.
• 142 South Main Street: Health order deadline set for November 6, 2026; fire safety issues resolved; roof repair ongoing; elevator issue under state-level review; no immediate enforcement path identified.
• 830 Bow Lane: Legal submission expected next week; access being resolved.
• 572 Saybrook Road: Continued efforts to gain access; administrative warrant possible.
• 1171 Randolph: Owner working on code compliance over winter; item remains on agenda for monitoring.
• Metro Square: No code enforcement action available; police continue patrols; item removed from agenda.
• 455/465 Middlefield Street: Awaiting court decision.
• Cannabis licensing action: Moving through approval process; committee to be updated.
• Meeting adjourned at 9:21 AM.