03-18-91 Human Resources & Economic Development

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AIM Human Resources and Economic Development March 18, 1991 Page 2 incomplete resolutions of the problems involved. Often times "bandaid made repairs" are permitted. Ms. Gatto stated that often times the Hearing Officer accepts work which is unsatisfactory, and that perhaps BOCA may be too low a standard to follow. She stated that there should be no final inspections without the proper permits, and that notification letters should be sent with regard to the exact permits which are required. She noted that in 1989 the report from the Department of Code Enforcement noted that there were 500 voluntary compliances. She questioned how many were "true compliances" with regard to the law. She stated that "public trust" must be restored to the process. She noted that the "worst case scenario" involved the properties located at 820 / 820 1/2 Cleveland, which has been in the Code Enforcement process since 1986. There have been 35 environmental inspections and 78 violations on these properties. From 1987 through 1990 there have been 5 external inspections and 3 internal inspections. She questioned the qualifications of the Hearing Officer to do inspections and that often times a "judgment call" is involved with the bond being returned. She suggested that more Stop Work Orders be issued, and that bonds should not be forfeited if they are not in compliance. She stated that additional penalties should be investigated. She also noted the problem of owners with multiple addresses. She highlighted the problem regarding legal notices and post office boxes in particular. She stressed that a "change of attitude" is needed with regard to resolving these problems. Ms. Gatto then gave the example of 816 Allen, where there have been no environmental hearings since 1983 . She noted that over 350 cubic yards of garbage had been removed from the the front yard alone. She stated that the City Administration's response was that it was a "lifestyle problem". She then cited the address of 722 Van Buren, and stated that there have been health and safety problems since September of 1990. She stated that it was scheduled for demolition in September. There are roof and foundation problems, and that the tenants reported electrical sparks at the site with no results. Further problem areas such as 1317 Van Buren, 1040