Old Orchard Beach is cracking down on code violators by postponing the renewal of their business licenses.
It’s nice to see the town manager and town leaders taking the initiative to clean up these properties rather than turning a blind eye, particularly since serious safety concerns were raised at a recent town council meeting when the business licenses were being reviewed.
At The Landings, which includes nine cabins, Code Enforcement Officer Dan Feeney said there were numerous violations, including illegally hooked up electricity, gas and plumbing. In addition, he said there were space heaters too close to furniture, extension cords running from one window to another, and broken windows. Several of the cabins were using small rooms as bedrooms that did not meet size requirements to be bedrooms.
Feeney also said he found frozen pipes, a sewer backed up, and fecal matter in a sink and in a tub. He called the conditions “horrendous.” The council postponed voting on the business’ license.
Another property Fern Park Cabins, which has the same owner, received its license renewal, but the town council limited the seasonal residents to not include foreign students in town for summer jobs on J-1 visas. Town Manager Larry Mead said the cabins are crowded with international students, posing safety concerns, through the summer season. He said because it’s difficult to keep track of the students, the town should impose the limit on who can rent the units.
Feeney, the code enforcement officer, said the staff at the cabins told him they fill the cabins with as many students as they can; “They are packed to the ceiling with mattresses for J-1 students,” he said.
Feeney said the cabins need serious repairs. In addition to the poor conditions he cites, safety issues are created by too many people living in units that were not built to hold so many. If there are too many beds in a room, they can block fire exits ”“ among other health and safety issues that overcrowding leads to in living spaces.
It’s important that every business follow the rules set out by the town, and it’s encouraging to see the code office’s staff taking its job seriously. Without thorough, proper inspections, these conditions would not be brought to the attention of those who make the pertinent decisions. No businesses should be putting people’s lives or health in danger, and it’s important for a property manager to make sure his or her residents or renters ”“ no matter the length of their stay ”“ are following the rules they set forth.
We hope the properties in question are cleaned up and straightened out to help keep people safe, and improve the image of the seaside community.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham Rousseau on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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