Concord Board of Health Takes No Action on Tenant's Two Mold Inspection Appeals

CONCORD — April 15, 2026 — Concord Board of Health unanimously declined to act on two housing mold appeals while electing a new chair at its April 15 meeting. The board voted 4-0 on each appeal filed by tenant Katherine Kershaw, who alleged that health inspectors failed to document mold conditions at 34 Everett Gardens, Unit 12A and at her current residence at 115 Stow Street, Unit 208 — both Concord Housing Authority properties. Public Health Director Melanie Dineen said both inspections followed required procedure and found no chronic moisture or visible mold under the State Sanitary Code, which contains no specific mold standard. Town counsel Kristen Gagalis and Concord Housing Authority attorney Cassidy Wiltshire both argued the appeal was limited to whether the inspection was properly conducted. Outgoing chair Jim Whalen, a lawyer, pressed the board to document in its minutes that it had considered the broader question of a settlement, noting the record would be admissible in Kershaw's ongoing housing court litigation; a presentment letter response is due from the Concord Housing Authority by May 17. In the same meeting, the board unanimously elected member Dottie Bernard as its new chair.