Board upholds condemnation order for uninhabitable Lufkin Street home
Essex Board of Health upholds property condemnation following inadequate housing conditions. Board of Health Administrator Erin Kirchner reported that after initial heat complaints on January 15, follow-up inspections on February 5 and 6 revealed multiple violations including lack of heat, no hot
Board of Health · Meeting of February 12, 2026
Essex Board of Health upholds property condemnation following inadequate housing conditions. Board of Health Administrator Erin Kirchner reported that after initial heat complaints on January 15, follow-up inspections on February 5 and 6 revealed multiple violations including lack of heat, no hot water, non-functioning toilet and stove, and blocked emergency egress at 33 Lufkin Street. The board unanimously approved the condemnation order issued February 8 based on Kirchner's determination, made in coordination with local police and fire authorities.
Member Peter Hoare commended Kirchner's work with the Disabled Persons Protection Commission to ensure the resident received appropriate care. Public Health Nurse Elsa Wright reported Essex is experiencing some cases of influenza and COVID-19, along with isolated cases of Hepatitis B and E. coli.
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Source: the Board of Health meeting of February 12, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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