EGLESTON SQ.—A house at 25 Chilcott Place continues to accrue fines due to its lack of maintenance, stemming from unclear ownership.
On the Problem Properties list since last year, the property’s issues stem from its disputed ownership. The list is maintained by the Jamaica Plain Problem Properties Committee—an advisory group that identifies private properties for city inspectors to investigate.
Inspectional Services Department (ISD) has fined the owner on Suffolk County property records, JP resident John S. Darling, twice for improper trash storage and once for overgrown weeds, most recently in November.
According to ISD, ownership of the property is unclear because it in foreclosure limbo: mortgage-holder Deutsche Bank hasn’t finalized the foreclosure.
According to Deutsche Bank spokesperson John Gallagher, a Dallas, Texas-based company, GMAC ResCap, formerly GMAC-RFC, is the loan servicer for the property, “making them responsible for property maintenance.”
GMAC ResCap did not return a Gazette call. Gallagher did not clarify who was the current legal owner of the property.
“We’re trying to figure out where it’s standing” legally, Rob Torres, aide to state Rep. Liz Malia said. “It’s possible the owner is trying to mediate with the bank, which is why the final notice hasn’t been filed.”
Malia is community co-chair of the Problem Properties Committee.
The Gazette called Darling at his Eastland Road home numerous times, but was unable to leave a message.