Abington is again looking for a new Building Commissioner after Jason Harris resigned this week to focus on a new consulting firm.
“After much reflection, I have made the decision to resign from my position as Building Commissioner to focus fully on consolidating and growing my consultant firm,” Harris told Abington News. “This choice did not come lightly, as the last four years have been some of the most rewarding and transformative of my career.”
Building Inspector Nick Jenks will take over most of Harris’ duties on a short- term basis, Town Manager Scott Lambiase said.
“We’re sad he decided to leave yet very happy for him that he’s pursuing these other endeavors,” Lambiase said
Harris is credited with rejuvenating Abington’s Building Department and inspectional activities, updating department policies, and bringing in an improved cloud-based management system.
Last year alone under Harris the department initiated enforcement actions against more than 200 properties in town for major code violations, ranging from structural problems to illegal and overcrowded apartments to unpermitted work.
“It’s good that his office has stepped up enforcement and inspection activities,” said Planning Board Chairman Bruce Hughes. “I hope the town’s building and inspection department stays on this path.”
“We had a lot of hidden issues here,” Harris said, “but we got the lion’s share addressed, and we did it with some diplomacy.”
Harris, who was officially named Building Commissioner in November 2023, said his team deserves a lot of the credit for the successes.
“These accomplishments are a testament to the tireless dedication, integrity, and professionalism of the team I had the privilege to lead,” he said. “The relationships I’ve built with my colleagues will be deeply missed.”
Harris said he intends to focus his efforts on his new consulting business, Code-Pro Construction Consultants. The company website which went live in December, says it provides “unparalleled expertise in consulting services for land acquisition, land use and rights, permitting preparation and reviews, planning, zoning, and conservation approval and enforcement representation.”
Harris, who previously also worked a a building inspector for the Town of Hull, said “timing is everything” and felt he finally had the experience and degrees to go out on his own.
“I’ve been doing a little bit of consulting here and there, more toward Boston. I have some opportunities to work with some folks now to get to a place I really want to be,” he said.
Harris is the third building commissioner to depart in less than five years. Marshall Adams departed in June 2021; his replacement, Chris Carmichael, left in January 2023 after less than six months in the role.
Lambiase, a former building commissioner in Duxbury, said he hopes to get the department fully staffed soon so that it remains addressing issues proactively instead of after they become problems. Meanwhile, he feels residents should notice a seamless transition to Jenks.
“He’s proven himself to be quite capable and very knowledgeable on all the codes,” Lambiase said. “Nick worked for [Harris] for a while and has the same style.”