Chang Farm workers barracks demolished in South Deerfield

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DEERFIELD — There is an empty lot where the former Chang Farm work house used to stand at 23 Sugarloaf St. in South Deerfield.

The Chang Family Trust owned the two-story home, which was condemned by state and local boards of health in late August. The Chang Family Trust, owned by Rose C. Chang and Tso-Cheng Chang and run by Sidney Chang, the vice-president, operates a bean sprout farm in Whately.

The state Department of Public Health, the state fire marshal’s office, and local building inspector Richard Calisewski cited the house for long-standing health, sanitary and fire code violations. These include a lack of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, obstructed and padlocked exits and improperly maintained electrical systems.

The demolished building housed 14 farm workers. A second home abutting the Chang Farm at 299 River Road in Whately housed another seven farm workers. This home was also condemned by the state.

The fate of the Whately home is still to be determined. A Housing Court judge is expected to decide in January whether the house should be demolished or repaired.