Plan to Demolish Lynn Home Connected to Multiple Drug Overdoses

For years, neighbors and city officials in Lynn, Massachusetts say a home on Chancery Court has been a problem because of drugs.

And now there’s a plan to demolish it.

“I think it’s good for the kids, for the neighborhood, improving the neighborhood and make sure that it’s clean and healthy for everybody that lives here,” said neighbor Lenny Alvarez.

The city council says there have been at least 20 overdoses in the last fiveyears, including two fatalities at the home.

“We just want to get rid of the house,” said Lynn City Councilor Richard Colucci.

He says the city is working to tear down the house, and the homeowners have been given plenty of chances.

Colucci says the homeowner’s son appeared at a recent council meeting.

“He promised there would be no more problems, he gave us his word that it’ll be straightened out, and two weeks ago there was another overdose,” said Colucci.

The homeowners tell NBC10 Boston and necn they’re distraught by the city’s plans and they dispute the number of overdoses.

They also blame former tenants for causing the majority of the problems.

Neighbors are just hopeful the city can turn the tide on the opioid crisis affecting so many.

“It makes you nervous about the future of the community,” said neighbor Vonessa Costa.

City officials are still making sure they’re on solid legal ground before they move forward.

There is a public hearing scheduled on this issue in February.