Absentee landlords have long been a problem in East Boston. That, coupled with properties that have been neglected or cause a nuisance in the neighborhood, whether through late night parties or overcrowding, has pushed some residents to the edge - especially in Eagle Hill.
In response to this epidemic, the Eagle Hill Civic Association (EHCA) has formed a Problem Property Task Force to investigate problem properties and encourage landlords to keep their houses clean, noise free and in compliance with occupancy ordinances.
At a well-attended EHCA meeting last week at East Boston High School, President Debra Cave explained that the group would not conduct witch hunts but would simply try to work with property owners, the city, neighbors and, if need be, the police to rein in problem properties.
“What we were hearing from residents were horror stories,” said Cave. “People were living next to vacant building, lots, or residential properties that were causing harm to people’s quality of life.”
What initially sparked the community group’s interest in forming a task force was a problem property on Marion Street. The vacant building had become a haven for drunks and drug addicts, creating a serious annoyance to neighbors.
Working with City Councilor Sal LaMattina, John Forbes of the mayor’s office and other community leaders, EHCA was able to solve the problem.
“It’s exciting to see that this group has gone beyond its initial mission of historic preservation and restoration and is able to now tackle bigger issues and get results,” said LaMattina.
The group is also working with the city’s Inspectional Service Department  (ISD) and the Boston Police to crack down on illegal rooming houses in Eagle Hill or tenants of legal apartments that are involved in drug dealing or other crimes.
“There are special circumstances when the police can get involved,” said EHCA member Jim Bowen. “Police can work with a landlord to speed up the eviction process if it is found that a tenant is running an illegal rooming house or is involved in drugs, gang activity or other crimes.”
Boston Police Officer Dan Simmons said it’s important to have groups like the EHCA involved in quality of life issues.