A group of New Boston residents have appealed to the Sandisfield Select Board to do something about blight at two properties in the Village, 94 and 96 South Main Street, which are the first two houses on the right as a driver enters New Boston from the south.

The Times has obtained a copy of a petition letter dated April 10, 2026, which describes the problem and cites Sandisfield bylaws and statutes that apply to such situations. Seventeen New Boston residents signed the petition which did not include contact party information.

The letter describes a situation where one of the "run down" properties has become a visible "junk yard" where refuse like tires and vehicles have accumulated along the sides and rear of the property not far from wetlands and the west branch of the Farmington River. The complaint further alleges that the occupants have "actively solicited house cleanouts" be delivered to their property.

The petitioners state that "the town has the power to take these properties by eminent domain" and that situations at the two properties are within the definition of blight, violate statutes, and may be detrimental to health and safety. "Unless the matter is addressed, the undersigned will be prepared to file for tax abatment for our properties," according to the group.

The Times sampled residents for opinions including some who live in the historic district and others from various parts of town. Sentiment was fairly uniform especially the question of possible detriment to property values. Several who reside near the subject properties also mentioned health and safety. Another said, "sometimes trash is blowing around and has to be picked up." One said that there are junk cars with out-of-state license plates. A common concern is the negative impression on travelers on Route 8. (The properties are at the south gateway to the New Boston National Register Historic District). A long-time resident of West New Boston recalled the protracted struggle up to 2010 to get rid of two blighted houses at the village center. They voiced what is probably on the minds of many here who recall the earlier problem: "Here we go again."

In a lengthy response to an inquiry by The Times, Town Manager Janey Snyder on May 22 said, "The Sandisfield Board of Health and the Conservation Commission have been actively working to address the situation through the appropriate regulatory process."

The situation apparently was already well known to the Sandisfield Board of Health and the Conservation Commission, local agencies that have different concerns. The BoH asked the state Health Agent to perform an inspection which took place on March 19. As a result, on or about April 8 the BoH issued "Orders to Correct" to the property owner and to the renting occupants relative to violations of sanitary standards. The ConCom on April 26 issued a separate violation notice regarding disposal of household debris "within 100 feet of a stream."

The parties were given 30 days from the notices to address the violations. The Health Agent on April 30 reported that the renters had begun to remove waste, including "one truckload of waste per week to the Town Transfer Station rather than utilizing a privately rented dumpster." This introduced a new problem - stress on the station's capacity.

Ms. Snyder said, "Officials are [collaborating] with the renters to identify a practical waste disposal solution that addresses the blight concerns while remaining mindful of municipal operations and costs."

"At this time, it is the Town's position that the matter is being addressed appropriately and in accordance with established procedures," she added.

As for the petitioners' suggestion for drastic action against the occupants, she said, "Eminent domain is an extraordinary legal measure, and the Town is not presently in a position to displace residents without first exhausting reasonable opportunities for voluntary compliance and remediation."

To see the petitioners' letter Click Here.