The Lithuanian-American Citizens Association has been given an October 31 deadline by Building Inspector John E. Grover to begin making its aging St. George Avenue clubhouse structurally safe, or face municipal intervention that could lead straight to demolition.
Structural Hazards and Snowload Warnings
Inspector Grover explained last week that his strict ultimatum was prompted by the approaching winter and the severe hazard that a layer of snow would pose to the compromised structure.
In a formal letter sent to club President Algrid Pechulis, Grover warned that if the roof were burdened by snow and collapsed, “It could easily endanger persons or the property abutting this structure.” Furthermore, the inspector noted, “It appears that there is movement on the second floor wall since the original collapse.”
The two-story wooden clubhouse, originally built in 1913, has remained completely closed to the public since July 11, when the building’s exterior walls buckled and the second-floor ballroom ceiling caved in. Miraculously, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Demolition Risk and Fundraising Efforts
Last week, Grover posted official warning signs declaring the clubhouse a dangerous structure—a mandatory procedural step under state statutory authority allowing the town to step in and “make the building safe,” which can ultimately include issuing an order for complete demolition. Grover clarified that if the town is forced to demolish the building, the cost will be charged back to the association via a property lien. He added that he would only pursue demolition if the club took no action, emphasizing that full restoration of the building by the end of the month is not being demanded—only that repair work begin.
Club President Pechulis could not immediately be reached for comment regarding whether the association would meet the town’s improvement deadline. However, the organization has actively worked to raise repair funds, hosting a series of benefit polka band dances at the Italian American Club in Walpole to support its building restoration fund.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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