Bellingham Board of Health Moves to Block Mold-Ridden Property Sale Before April Closing

BELLINGHAM — March 18, 2025 — Bellingham Board of Health moves to condition a toxic-mold property sale and escalate junkyard enforcement. At the March 18 meeting, Health Agent Dylan Leonti told the board that a landlord is rushing to sell a multi-unit property by April 4 despite an outstanding board order to remediate black mold — documented by a $700 third-party inspection — throughout the attic and walls of at least two units. Chair Ben Forto and members Rick Gilbery and Richard Monelli directed Leonti to consult Town Counsel immediately about amending the remediation deadline, identifying the seller's attorney, and pursuing condemnation if the landlord fails to comply before closing. The board also received an update on a joint DEP and fire-department enforcement action at John's Used Auto, 85 Hartford Avenue, where approximately 700 gallons of unsecured hazardous liquid are leaching near Beaver Brook. The revolving food fund balance currently stands at $124,600, and the board unanimously reappointed Leonti for fiscal year 2025-26.