Old home looks like new

By Andrea Gregory

Board of Aldermen President Robert C. Trane had been to the door several times. Each time the elderly woman who had been living inside the 190 Boston Ave. home would only crack the door to see what he wanted. The slight opening barely let onto the true extent of the problems inside the two-story home. No heat and a multitude of cats were contributing factors. Tree branches were growing through the eves and the roof had holes.

It wasn’t until a January 2006 inspection by the city that the full extent of the unsuitable living conditions became clear. And it was not until recently that the house became, once again, an appropriate residential dwelling. The home is now back market.

Trane called it a “night and day” change.

Even before the city stepped in the house where Alice Jones was living, obvious problems were showing from the exterior. There were broken windows, chipped paint and a tree that had fallen on the roof with the possibility of creating a more dangerous situation as it was left there, said Trane. Trane had received several complaints from neighbors and having driven by the site, knew as an official he should try and communicate the concerns with the homeowner.

“It was difficult. It got to the point where I kept going to the door,” said Trane. “It had to escalate (to the point of authorities stepping in and removing her from the home) for her own protection. It seemed like she was taking better care of her cats then herself.”

“Ms. Jones was living in completely unacceptable conditions, and we took all necessary means of action to assure she was comfortably transferred to a more acceptable home,” said Hickey, in a release.  “Alice was very fortunate to have found a friend in Lynne Dunne; Lynne not only helped in finding the available funds for the home renovation, but always made sure Alice was comfortably and adequately cared for throughout the entire process.”

Dunne does not have a listed Somerville phone number in her name.

City officials say they also got Jones in touch with a sister she had lost contact with many years ago. Since city officials stepped in, Jones received housing and other assistance. She is currently living in a senior housing facility in Medford.

Inspectional Services Superintendent George Landers said that Jones always thought she was living in Medford. Being on the town line she was using a Medford zip code. She was adamant about finding housing in Medford, according to Landers.

Originally, the plan was to help Jones fix the property so she could move back, said Landers. However, Jones decided not to go back, and instead sold the house. The major transformation followed after she sold her home. However, Jones’ friends, neighbors and the city did aid her in an initial cleanup of the property.

“The main concern was (Jones). She was legally blind and couldn’t really see,” said Landers. “She was a private woman and a proud woman.”

Jones has since received medical treatment and can once again see, said Landers.

Landers is part of a city organization known as the Neighborhood Impact Team (NIT). The group is made up of city officials and local authorities, including staff from health, building, fire, police, Council on Aging and other departments. It was created through an initiative of Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. Once per week, the group meets to discuss properties that require some looking into. The team then travels together, and the results are aimed at the overall safety and well being of the community, according to members of NIT.

“We went to see if she was OK, and we smelled gas,” said Landers. “I think it was very important that we showed up when we did.”

Along with the leaking gas line, the Somerville Fire Department noted a collapsing ceiling, other structural problems and a lack of smoke detectors. The heating and water systems were not properly operating, and the Board of Health deemed the Jones’ home unfit for human habitation.

Trane accompanied the NIT team into the building. He was given a mask to wear into the house. However, 20 feet from the door, Trane said he could not withstand the strong odor, even wearing the mask, and had to retreat.

Today, the house has no sign of the problems that were once haunting it. Landers said the NIT recently revisited the site, wanting to document the before and after status of the house.

“Thanks to the support of her neighbors and the swift and comprehensive work of the Neighborhood Impact Team, Alice Jones got the help she needed and an old house got a new lease on life,” according to Cutatone.

Comments

[whatacroc]

Whatever would we do without(cue the music)"Captain" Trane?

[Jess]

I just wanted to take a moment to say I applaud Bob's efforts. If you had seen the condition of that home and the poor woman that lived in it you would not be so flip. Bob kept going back and never gave up when others would have just ignored the problem. Say what you want but I like the guy and he does a good job.

[JTdisMo]

Any house that is unkempt and falling apart should be investigated. Not only are they an eyesore, they are bringing down property values. Taxes for clean and well painted houses with owner occupiers should have a lower rate than neglected ones. That ought to jumpstart the home owners lazy ass.