A house fire in the Smith Hill neighborhood that raised community concerns about safety and timely corrective action by city officials is slated to be razed next week, according to City Councilman Terrence M. Hassett, Ward 12.

“A fire that broke out last month during the early morning hours at 380 Smith Street was of suspicious origin and involved a foreclosed property,” Hassett said.  The councilman said that he has been carefully monitoring the events that have followed the fire “in order to insure that public safety is protected and that a redeveloped property results swiftly.”

“Our concern is with properties that are in foreclosure and vacant,” Hassett said.  “This is not specific to any neighborhood; this is of great concern in all neighborhoods.  Zeroing in on the process that leads to securing structures and, if necessary, demolishing them, has been the result of efforts over the last month,” Hassett added.

Hassett said he has been in regular contact with the Director of Inspection and Standards, Francisco Ramirez, and is encouraged that new procedures are in place to respond to these kinds of emergency situations. 

The Smith Street structure has been in foreclosure proceedings for about two months.  It was destroyed by fire and has been the subject of much discussion about safety and future development plans.

Hassett said that at least two utilities - Verizon and National Grid – have yet to secure their respective service in the building, but are expected to be finished by next week.

Hassett noted that there are at least 75 properties in Ward 12 that are in the foreclosure.