PARIS – The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to allow the owner of the former Minnie’s Restaurant in Market Square to continue work on the building.

The building at 27 Market Square was declared a total loss after a February 2007 fire. Selectmen decided at their last meeting to discuss the matter with owner Ralph Stone before making a decision on whether it should be condemned.

Town Manager Sharon Jackson said some residents had stepped forward to offer assistance toward work on the building. Stone has been attempting to remove the roof and may take the entire building down. It has no electricity or plumbing.

“I can’t justify putting power and making it up to code when I want to get rid of the property,” Stone said Monday.

The board voted to allow Stone to comply with the parameters of a building permit he received from the town and to secure the building’s entrances against unauthorized access.

Stone suffered burns in last year’s fire, which started when space heaters ignited a mattress in his second-floor apartment. Jackson said Stone fell during work on the building and broke his hip.

Resident Mark Stearns asked that Stone be given more time for repairs considering his injuries.

“So far, the only thing he has gotten from the town is, ‘If you don’t do this, we’re going to take it,'” Stearns said. “He has had nothing but bad luck.”

“I think we need to let it ride here for a little bit,” said Selectman David Ivey. “But I think we need to give him a time frame.”

Selectman Lloyd “Skip” Herrick suggested that Stone put up “No Trespassing” signs on the property, and that the board periodically check on his progress.

Chairman Raymond Glover said the building needs to be secured against any safety hazards.

“We don’t want to interfere with your rights,” Glover told Stone, “but we are trying to protect the citizens of the town.”