Auburn Board of Health Approves Septic Variance for Oxford Street Property With Monitoring Conditions

AUBURN -- May 11, 2026, Auburn Board of Health grants septic variance for 650 Oxford Street South, flags tobacco and housing emergencies. The board voted unanimously Monday to approve property owner Mr. Patel's appeal of a December order requiring a septic system upgrade at 650 Oxford Street South, citing satisfactory well test results and the estimated $15,000 to $30,000 cost of drilling a replacement well on a difficult lot; conditions include annual water testing by a state-certified lab and regular pumping slip submissions. Health Director Darlene Coil also briefed the board on an unresolved emergency housing order at 7 Coachman Lane, where property owner Ryan Davison, attending remotely, said renovation work is "pretty much impossible" while an occupant whose lease expired May 1 continues to reside in a unit with outstanding mold, electrical, and structural violations; a formal public hearing and potential unfit-for-habitation determination are set for the next meeting. Separately, Coil said the Leominster Tobacco Alliance's recent compliance inspections produced violations at four Auburn establishments, with repeat offenders now facing potential permit suspensions requiring board approval.