NORTHFIELD — The Board of Health is investigating complaints of housing and building code violations at two Northfield properties.
According to the complaint filed with the Board of Health on Nov. 14, the properties at 71 Lyman Hill Road and 54 South Mountain Road are being “re-habbed” without proper permits or licensed contractors.
Claudia Lucas, health agent for the Board of Health, said the board will investigate the potential housing code violations and Building Commissioner James Hawkins will investigate use of proper permits.
The property at 54 South Mountain Road, the former Redemption Christian Academy and Linden Hill School, has been owned and managed by Joe Jarvies, of California, since May. Jarvies also owns the rental property at 71 Lyman Hill Road.
The complaint claims that at least three people are living at 54 South Mountain Road. It also states that construction at 71 Lyman Hill Road has been ongoing since Oct. 8 while inhabited by two paying tenants. Due to the construction, tenants must go outside to access the different stories of the house.
“There is no heat and the contractor uses a propane heater in the house,” the complaint reads. “In addition, work is being done in every room at the same time. Heating, electrical, plumbing and building permits have not been applied for.”
The complaint also claims that previous questions and concerns directed to Jarvies by the paying tenants were met with replies of “don’t be nasty” and “move out.”
Calls to Jarvies were not returned by press time.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 264.