The Harwich Board of Health moved to condemn a multi-unit property at 829 Route 28 on Tuesday night following a harrowing report of structural decay and severe hoarding. Health Director Carrie Shirona detailed a March 5 inspection that uncovered a lack of heat and utilities, frozen pipes, and evidence of pests. There is an order to vacate from the Building Commissioner, Shirona noted, adding that if the board condemned the site, she could work with the family to prioritize repairs on a freestanding cottage so the resident could eventually return. Fire Inspector Brandon Barrow expressed grave concerns regarding the second floor of the main dwelling, stating the weight of the clutter on the second floor is a collapse hazard in a fire and warned that it was unsafe for emergency responders to enter.

The resident, Pam Mason, shared an emotional plea with the board, explaining that the property fell into disrepair during a five-year struggle with a squatter. I became a hoarder after I broke my neck, Mason said, noting that the house has been in her family for generations. Her daughter and trustee, Mariah, told the board she had already begun the daunting task of clearing the units, saying she had cleaned out bags of trash in Unit 2 in an effort to save at least one apartment. Despite the family's desire to stay, the board determined the safety risks were too significant to ignore. Motion Made by [R. D'Agello] to condemn the dwelling at 829 Route 28 with the condition that the condemnation could be partially removed for Unit 1 and the cottage upon satisfactory approval by the Building Commissioner and Health Department. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

Public testimony surged during a work session on proposed regulations for kratom and synthetically derived cannabinoids. While Chair Ron D'Agello noted that from a nursing perspective, nurses in hospitals see people with hyperemesis from these products, a line of public speakers urged the board to favor regulation over a total ban. Melody, a chronic pain patient, argued that without kratom, I would lose my mobility, while Misty Brown credited the whole leaf powder with her recovery from an 11-year addiction, calling it a lifeline. Resident Jeff noted that the substance helped him overcome alcoholism, while Shannon, a healthcare worker, suggested the board look at models in South Hadley or Amherst that keep natural kratom but ban the 7-OH synthetics. One board member cautioned against a hasty decision, stating, I wonder if we should have a professional expert opinion. This is a significant decision. The board agreed to invite tobacco control specialist Bob Colette to the next meeting before drafting final rules.

The board also resolved a long-standing dispute regarding 71 Main Street Extension. Property representative Rick Hamlin argued that a requirement for a tight tank based on an auto body classification was an excessive overreach because the business on site, Patriot Auto, focuses on custom welding rather than mechanical repairs or body work. Bruno Deir, owner of Reflections Auto Body, supported this claim, explaining that the inspector likely used a template from his own shop and never changed it for Hamlin’s property. Motion Made by [R. D'Agello] to approve the appeal of the order to install the floor drain and holding tank at 71 Main Street Extension. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

Looking ahead to Town Meeting, petitioner Patrick Autton presented several environmental initiatives, including a home rule petition to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs). Autton also highlighted a potential $30 million savings in nitrogen removal costs if the town adopts stricter fertilizer limits, noting that Harwich needs to shift from green green green lawns to Cape Cod pollinator lawns. D'Agello expressed support for reduction but noted he wanted people in the industry involved in the conversation as it affects local livelihoods. The board concluded the evening by awarding Food Safety Excellence Awards to Red Milanos and Bua's Tuscan Roadhouse and approving several licenses, including a new permit for the Cultural Arts Municipal Building. Motion Made by [R. D'Agello] to accept the permits as listed. Motion Passed (3-0-0).