Meetings Ahead
Thursday, March 12
- Housing Authority, 4:15 p.m., Town Hall
- Zoning Board of Appeals, 5:30 p.m., Town Hall
Tuesday, March 17
- Cemetery Commission, 10 a.m., Town Hall
- Board of Health, 4:30 p.m., Town Hall
Wednesday, March 18
- Planning Board, 5 p.m., Town Hall
Conversation Starter
Truro Motor Inn May Avoid Receiver
The Truro Motor Inn, which has been a de facto affordable housing complex for about 50 people, is out of housing court and back before the board of health for a review of its septic system plans.
The property, at 296 Route 6, has been the subject of many board of health hearings over the years. Town officials have been unable to get the inn’s owners, Daniel and his son David Del Gizzi, to comply with regulations and so the board of health asked a housing court judge to put the property into the hands of a receiver, who would then collect the rents and make necessary repairs to the septic and electrical systems.
But on Monday, Truro Health Agent Emily Beebe said the housing court process has been “put on pause” while the town and the owners try to come to an agreement to get the repairs completed without a receiver.
It could still go into receivership if this attempt fails, Beebe said.
On March 17, the board of health will review a proposal to upgrade the septic system to an advanced treatment system able to remove more nutrients and keep the water clean for the tenants and the neighbors, she said. The Del Gizzis need a variance for the septic system, because there is not enough space on the property to put in a regulation-size leaching field.
Furthermore, Beebe said, the board of health will discuss the number of bedrooms the septic system can handle.
The Del Gizzis’ attorney, Dina Browne, said they have complied with the town’s orders by presenting a detailed floor plan and submitted the septic system upgrade plans. They have already met the state’s requirement for occupancy: 150 square feet for one person and an additional 100 square feet for each added person, she said.
Sometimes entire families occupy these motel rooms. But it’s not the Del Gizzis’ fault, she added, if the tenants sneak in additional people.
“I do think we are working diligently with the town without the need of any complex and protracted litigation,” Brown said. “What my clients are trying to do, and have been doing, is provide affordable housing in Truro.”
Since the receivership issue arose on Oct. 3, many tenants left out of fear that the place would be shut down. Tenants have also complained about substandard living conditions at the property. — K.C. Myers
