No, it is Scott Healy the Yale graduate and former member of the Yale Urban Design Workshop. Yes, that's right...how ironic!

Further ironies: Mr. Healy earned his BA at Yale in Ethics, Politics and Economics; concentration in Urban and Environmental Studies!

Sven, this building is not abandoned. It was damaged on the inside by several broken pipes due to a tenant who shut off his heat while away on break. The units are being repaired this spring and early summer. Also, if the building is in imminent risk of collapse, that's news to me--the old metal roof looks bad, but has held up. The damage to the soffits and fascia boards started from aggressive squirrels, but there is not water inside the house (the envelope is more or less secure).

Yes, the house needs a lot of work. And to be frank, I did not have the money to repair it when the interior damage occurred--I started my own company and it has not yet turned a profit. Nonetheless, I'm on top of this and doing my best to secure funding. This house means a lot to me--I would never abandon it.

Last thing: if you have an issue like this, please call me: 203-996-5101. I don't think it's terribly neighborly for an old friend (and former landlord) like you to raise an issue on SeeClickFix when you could reach out to me. I've had the same exact email and phone number since I was an undergrad.

Scott Healy

Landlord responded and included contact information.

Scott, I and others have complained about the condition of the house for at least 7 or 8 years. This isn't the first time I've put this up on SeeClickFix. When was the last time you actually looked at the house? It is really difficult to believe that the walls are free of moisture. I've had a carpenter friend look at it briefly and his judgement of the condition was quite pessimistic, just from a quick walk around.
I do not have your email address and also did not have your phone number. Matt Short and others have tried to contact you without success.
Nevertheless I am happy that you've responded and are aware of the problems. As you know, it's a very unique house that adds character and beauty to our neighborhood. It would be a tragedy to let things get to the point of no return.

Thanks for fixing this issue!

Sven, you KNOW me. Olivia and you were my first landlords when I was just out of college. Olivia has my number and my email. Honestly, I would have thought that a note like this would be kinder, or that you'd make the effort to reach out to me like a neighbor. The tone here--particularly the "how ironic" comment--makes it sound like I'm some outsider to the neighborhood.

I text Matt Short quite frequently, and I continue to work with his mom's company on various upkeep issues. Other neighbors have been going in and out of the house to check on it, and I'm in New Haven on average each month. I've reach out to Jim Paley, Anstress Farwell, two architects and five contractors--among others--asking for advice and help on restoration. It's been a challenge to restore this house because the shingles on it are not original; the original envelope was board and batten, which means the house looks like that gorgeous one on Beers near Troup.

I care very much about this house. But I also care that my neighbors perhaps offer constructive advice and some encouragement. I know the tone in Dwight is usually of confrontation--and it often works to make property owners do the right thing. But I'm not a typical out-of-town landlord. In fact, I've been working hard on the job front to find work in Connecticut that would allow me to come back and live there.

Talk to Matt about this--he has the whole story. In the meantime, I hope you and Olivia are doing well.

Scott

OK perhaps I was a bit unfair. My apologies for the unnecessary confrontational tone. I'm happy you are aware of the matter and are doing what you can to save the house. I'll butt out at this point.

Are you in touch with a good carpenter/contractor? If not, I'd like to suggest Brian Casey http://www.bccbuild.com. We've been working with Brian for over 20 years. He has very extensive knowledge of the old houses around here. In 2015 he completely renovated 226 Dwight next door to us, and did a really beautiful job.

Again, my apologies. I'm glad you're on the case.

Sven, I will definitely reach out to Brian Casey--I remember how helpful he was years ago when I needed carpentry advice.

Also, I have always admired your passion, so I don't mind the nudge to work faster on the house. One thing I miss about living there is the passion and dedication that neighbors have--it shows how much they care. Where I've been renting in Chicago, the passion just isn't there; neighbors there tend to take many things for granted.

Hopefully, I can move back to my house soon. See you around town!