Wiscasset claims Mason Station may be the scene of an illegal junkyard and possibly at least one unsafe building.

The town used more than 100 photographs to help convince a judge to let it inspect several lots at Mason Station, the site of a failed development project.

Wiscasset District Court Judge Daniel Billings granted the request. “I am satisfied that there is probable cause to believe that an illegal junkyard is located (there) and that at least one structure … may constitute a dangerous building ...,” Billings states in the April 16 court order. He also wrote a note to ensure the inspection could take place.

“In the event access … is not provided, public safety officials may take actions necessary to enter ...,” the judge wrote.

The inspection was later scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, Town Manager Laurie Smith said.

Its purpose is to confirm that the conditions violate state laws and pose an immediate threat to health and safety, Wiscasset's interim code enforcement officer Bruce Engert wrote to the court.

According to court documents, Wiscasset sought the order after Mason Station did not respond to a town lawyer's request for a new inspection.

The town approved Mason Station's planned 85-lot subdivision off Birch Point Road years ago, but only approved 12 lots for development, town officials have said. Homes were built on only two of those.

The town obtained most of the lots at Mason Station through foreclosures for unpaid taxes. But the company still owns most of the ones that will be inspected, Smith said April 19.

Engert has done earlier inspections and has reviewed photographs taken in July 2012. He included the photographs in his request for the new inspection. In addition to the possible junkyard, they also show evidence of mortar cracking on one or more of the large brick buildings, Engert wrote.

“... This provides probable cause to believe that the structural integrity of the buildings could be at risk … There is also an open storm water drain that poses an immediate risk ...,” Engert continued.

Attempts to seek comment from the company were unsuccessful. According to Judge Billings' order, the company received at least 24 hours' notice that the town would be seeking the inspection.

Earlier this year, Mason Station's silence on Wiscasset's lawsuit seeking more than $800,000 in back taxes resulted in a default judgment in the town's favor.

Susan Johns can be reached at 207-844-4633 or sjohns@wiscassetnewspaper.com.