MDE Issues Enforcement Actions Against City Property Owners for Lead Paint Violations

From the Maryland Department of the Environment:

MDE’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program serves as the coordinating agency of statewide efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. Under the 1994 “Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Law,” MDE assures compliance with mandatory requirements for lead risk reduction in rental units built before 1950, maintains a statewide listing of registered and inspected units, and provides blood lead surveillance through a registry of test results of all children tested in Maryland. The following actions were for properties alleged to be out of compliance with lead risk reduction standards:

• Jerome C. Felix: 14 affected properties – On August 25, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $20,000 for alleged violations.
• Pirate, LLC: 8 affected properties – On August 25, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $55,000 for alleged violations.
• Charles Kipp and Naoma Kipp: 2 affected properties – On August 25, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking a combined $20,000 for alleged violations.
• Tony Williams: 2 affected properties – On August 31, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $35,000 for alleged violations.
• Aleksandre Vayshelboym and Pavel Vayshelboym: 4 affected properties – On August 31, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking a combined $30,500 for alleged violations.
• Genevieve Nixon: 1 affected property – On August 31, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking a combined $18,000 for alleged violations.
• Moses G. Parker: 11 affected properties – On August 31, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $10,000 for alleged violations.
• Romael M. Boyd: 1 affected property – On September 8, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $25,000 for alleged violations.
• Demetrios Nicholas Karvounis: 5 affected properties – On September 8, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $27,500 for alleged violations.
• Elaine C. G. Parker: 8 affected properties – On September 28, 2011, MDE entered into a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order to resolve alleged violations. The defendant agreed to a penalty of $6,000.
• Fulton 200, LLC: 5 affected properties – On October 4, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $30,000 for alleged violations.
• Herman Lopez and Dina Lopez: 3 affected properties – On October 4, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $16,000 for alleged violations.
• Michael D. Davis: 14 affected properties – On October 4, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $46,000 for alleged violations.
• Antonio Banks and Latrina Wilson: 2 affected properties – On October 4, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $15,000 for alleged violations.
• Skyline Residential 1, L.P.: 31 affected properties – On October 4, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $25,000 for alleged violations.
• Nina Nwaba: 1 affected property – On October 4, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $40,000 for alleged violations.
• M&A Properties, LLC: 1 affected property – On October 4, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $25,000 for alleged violations.
• Christopher Campbell: 10 affected properties – On October 24, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $32,500 for alleged violations.
• Moses O. Fadiran: 21 affected properties – On October 24, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $50,000 for alleged violations.
• Alexia A. Lotts, a.k.a. Alexia A. McCain: 1 affected property – On October 28, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $30,000 for alleged violations.
• Huber Properties, LLC: 11 affected properties – On October 28, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $35,000 for alleged violations.
• Kevin R. Wheeler and Lisa I. Wheeler: 10 affected properties – On October 28, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $13,700 for alleged violations.
• Dennis G. Howard and Teresa K. Howard: 8 affected properties – On October 28, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $30,000 for alleged violations.
• Michael McGurn and Yusabor Gaye: 2 affected properties – On November 29, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking a combined $27,500 for alleged violations.
• Angela M. Richardson: 1 affected property – On November 29, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $16,000 for alleged violations.
• Mary A. Wright: 2 affected properties – On December 6, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $32,000 for alleged violations.
• Neil S. Wolfson: 2 affected properties – On December 6, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $22,500 for alleged violations.
• Adelfo B. Calibuso: 13 affected properties – On December 6, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $25,000 for alleged violations.
• Frank E. Carey: 2 affected properties – On December 7, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $16,000 for alleged violations.
• William Evans: 1 affected property – On December 7, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $21,000 for alleged violations.
• Cathedral Court, LLC: 1 affected property – On November 18, 2011, MDE entered into a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order to resolve alleged violations. The defendant agreed to a penalty of $50,000.
• GGEL Enterprises, Inc.: 12 affected properties – On December 16, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $35,000 for alleged violations.
• Marilynne Dos Reis: 1 affected property – On December 28, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $33,000 for alleged violations.
• Zainab Ariyibi: 1 affected property – On December 28, 2011, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $16,000 for alleged violations.
• John C. Dean: 2 affected properties – On January 9, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $30,000 for alleged violations.
• Lennox M. Douglas: 1 affected property – On January 9, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $31,500 for alleged violations.
• Tremaine Tazewell: 3 affected properties – On January 9, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $22,000 for alleged violations.
• Azwah Browne: 4 affected properties – On January 9, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $27,500 for alleged violations.
• Angela Weeks-Lee: 2 affected properties – On January 9, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $20,000 for alleged violations.
• Mary A. Wright: 3 affected properties – On January 6, 2012, MDE entered into a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order to resolve alleged violations. The defendant agreed to a penalty of $10,000.
• Berry & Company, Inc.: 2 affected properties – On January 26, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $27,500 for alleged violations.
• 901 Associates, LLC and Magnolia Properties Management, LLC: 1 affected property – On February 6, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking a combined $37,000 for alleged violations.
• Demetrios N. Karvounis: 4 affected properties – On January 31, 2012, MDE entered into a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order to resolve alleged violations. The defendant agreed to a penalty of $5,000.
• Sujana Umagiliya: 3 affected properties – On February 17, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $27,500 for alleged violations.
• Kingsley Chineme: 15 affected properties – On February 17, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $27,500 for alleged violations.
• Dennis T. Taylor and Parris D. Taylor: 1 affected property – On February 23, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $35,000 for alleged violations.
• Obinna Ogbu & Helen Ogbu: 1 affected property – On February 23, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $16,500 for alleged violations.
• Lioudmila Sokolova and Leonid Fastovsky: 3 affected properties – On February 23, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $16,500 for alleged violations.
• Maurice Garland: 2 affected properties – On February 23, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $16,500 for alleged violations.
• Nega Marufe, Yordanos Seyoum and Nile Properties, LLC: 3 affected properties – On February 23, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $15,000 for alleged violations.
• Shama, LLC: 2 affected properties – On February 28, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $16,500 for alleged violations.
• 401 Gwynn Ave, LLC, Two for Something, Inc. and Troy Brown: 3 affected properties – On February 28, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking a combined $13,000 for alleged violations.
• Maryland Restoration Group, LLC: 5 affected properties – On March 9, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $40,000 for alleged violations.
• Ozell Cooper: 3 affected properties – On March 9, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $33,000 for alleged violations.
• Fidelity Real Estate Corp.: 7 affected properties – On March 9, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $40,000 for alleged violations.
• Edward F. Kehl, III and Mark S. Dirzuweit: 2 affected properties – On March 9, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $28,000 for alleged violations.
• Chukuemeka Okoro: 12 affected properties – On March 14, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $37,500 for alleged violations
• Shanna Hamilton: 10 affected properties – On March 14, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $50,000 for alleged violations.
• Subhi Badra and Badra Properties, LLC: 23 affected properties – On March 14, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking a combined $15,800 for alleged violations.
• Nader Mondanipour: 4 affected properties – On March 14, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $20,500 for alleged violations.
• Ruth Wickham: 5 affected properties – On February 28, 2012, MDE entered into a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order to resolve alleged violations. The defendant agreed to a penalty of $5,000. Penalty has been paid in full.
• Moges Ayele, Ayalnesh Ayele, Girma Retta, Zewsitu Retta, M&A Properties, LLC and United General Business, LLC: 5 affected properties – On March 9, 2012, MDE entered into a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order to resolve alleged violations. The defendants agreed to a penalty of $18,000.
• Mack James: 4 affected properties – On March 27, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $25,000 for alleged violations.
• Zain Sesay and Abu Sesay: 18 affected properties – On March 28, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $45,000 for alleged violations.
• James S. McCarthy and Stacey Ishman: 1 affected property – On April 2, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $33,000 for alleged violations.
• 18-20 S. Broadway, LLC: 2 affected properties – On April 2, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $22,500 for alleged violations.
• Johnny Barnes, Jr.: 2 affected properties – On April 4, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $30,000 for alleged violations.
• Thomasina Byrd: 8 affected properties – On April 4, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $27,500 for alleged violations.
• Penny Greenwood: 18 affected properties – On April 12, 2012, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty requiring compliance with Maryland’s lead law and seeking $43,500 for alleged violations.

You can read the entire press release here, which includes violations against property owners in other cities and counties in Maryland.

Support House Bill 977

Bill Information:  House Bill 977 would require that an activity that disturbs more than 3 square feet of painted surface in a specified building, the property owner would have to pass a test for lead-contaminated dust. It also authorizes MDE to administer a renovation, repair, and painting program consistent with federal regulations. In addition, MDE would be required to seek authorization to enforce the Environmental Protection Agency’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule on or before March 31, 2013.

Why This Is Important:  Lead dust is not only a danger to the people who live in the home — it is a danger to the immediate neighbors, and any children who are in close proximity to renovation/repair work that would disturb the underlying lead paint.

What You Should Do:  Contact your Maryland legislators and ask them to support this important bill.

MDE Issues Enforcement Actions Against 18 City Property Owners for Lead Paint Violations

From the Maryland Department of the Environment:

MDE’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program serves as the coordinating agency of statewide efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. Under the 1994 “Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Law,” MDE assures compliance with mandatory requirements for lead risk reduction in rental units built before 1950, maintains a statewide listing of registered and inspected units, and provides blood lead surveillance through a registry of test results of all children tested in Maryland. The following actions were for properties alleged to be out of compliance with lead risk reduction standards:

• Samuel Brannon Jr., 1 affected property, $16,500 for alleged violations.
• Permy Thuha, 1 affected property, $32,500 for alleged violations.
• Aeron Alberti and Gregory Wolf, 7 affected properties, $18,000 for alleged violations.
• Cathedral Court, LLC, 1 affected property, $300,000 for alleged violations.
• Albert R. Peltier, Oliver Robinson, and Gerald H. Mathis, 3 affected properties, $38,000 for alleged violations.
• Zenith Properties, LLC, 10 affected properties, $17,500 for alleged violations.
• Kevin Richards and Vivian Richards, 3 affected properties, $40,000 for alleged violations.
• Eleanor Schieferstein, 7 affected properties, $33,000 for alleged violations.
• Gwendolyn L. Noble and Jay Noble, 1 affected property, $35,000 for alleged violations.
• Anthony Francis, 1 affected property, $22,000 for alleged violations.
• Bonnie A. Engelman and Ashley Blair Engelman, 1 affected property, $16,500 for alleged violations.
• Nicholas G. Lodowski, 15 affected properties, $9,000. The penalty has been paid.

In addition, the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program accredits and enforces performance standards for inspectors and contractors working in lead hazard reduction. The following actions are  for contractors and inspectors alleged to be out of compliance with state regulations:

A.S.B. Enterprises, LLC and W A Low Lead Inspection

Good News for Anti-Lead Paint Poisoning Advocates

Just in time for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the Maryland Court of Appeals struck down a provision giving landlords immunity in lead paint cases as unconstitutional.  The Maryland Daily Record reports the provision was “inadequate and unreasonable”, as it offered children harmed by lead paint a paltry “settlement” of $17,000.

Lead paint poisoning costs taxpayers billions of dollars every year, due to medical costs and loss of income.  To put this in perspective, in 2003, it was estimated that the cost to taxpayers in New York was close to $78 million (link opens a PDF)  in lost tax dollars, due to the children’s loss of potential income. This doesn’t take into account the medical or associated treatment costs.

For more information on lead laws in Maryland, please visit the Maryland Department of the Environment.  Let’s work together to keep Baltimore’s children safe from lead paint poisoning!

 

MDE Issues Enforcement Actions Against 22 City Property Owners

MDE’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program serves as the coordinating agency of statewide efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. Under the 1994 “Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Law,” MDE assures compliance with mandatory requirements for lead risk reduction in rental units built before 1950, maintains a statewide listing of registered and inspected units, and provides blood lead surveillance through a registry of test results of all children tested in Maryland. The following actions were for properties alleged to be out of compliance with lead risk reduction standards:

• V & J Properties USA, LLC (not in good standing) – 5 affected properties, $28,000 for alleged violations.
• Karey E. Hall – 3 affected properties, $16,500 for alleged violations.
• Daventry Realty, LLC (no resident agent, not in good standing) – 8 affected properties, $21,000 for alleged violations.
• Michael Jurkiewicz – 21 affected properties, $45,000 for alleged violations.
• Ruth A. Wickham – 6 affected properties, $31,500 for alleged violations.
• Diane Britton – 1 affected property, $22,000 for alleged violations.
• Bibiana Encomienda – 32 affected properties, $51,000 for alleged violations.
• Featherstone Management, LLC and Lakeside National, LLC – (neither are in good standing, one is owned by Ryan Frost, same address as slumlord Russell A. Frost)  2 affected properties, $23,000 for alleged violations.
• Miroslaw Grabowski and Christine Grabowski – 4 affected properties, $27,500 for alleged violations.
• Aisha Laws – 1 affected property, $16,000 for alleged violations.
• Jerome Brown – 8 affected properties, $35,000 for alleged violations.
• Joseph E. Smith – 2 affected properties, $16,000 for alleged violations.
• John W. Lamp, Jr. and Effy Z. Lamp – 1 affected property, $28,000 for alleged violations.
• Crystal Clark – 1 affected property, $17,000 for alleged violations.
• Harrichand Singh – 9 affected properties, $40,500 for alleged violations.
• Milton Tillman – 2 affected properties, $27,500 for alleged violations.
• M&S Associates, Inc. (A Tillman-controlled corporation, not in good standing with the state) – 8 affected properties, $35,000 for alleged violations.
• Arthur J. Lanier and Ervin Dantzler – 1 affected property, $7,500 for alleged violations.
• Phoenix Eagle Corporation (controlled by Milton Tillman, III and also not in good standing.) – 7 affected properties, $44,000 for alleged violations.
• Black Lotus Development, LLC and Michael Brown (corporate charter of Black Lotus lists a DC address, charter has been forfeited.) – 8 affected properties, $30,000 for alleged violations.
• Michael Jurkiewcz – 21 affected properties, The defendant agreed to a penalty of $9,000.

MDE Issues Enforcement Actions Against 9 Baltimore City Property Owners

More lead paint violations:

• Valhalla Investments, LLC and Thomas Reese, 4 affected properties, $18,000 for alleged violations.
• Parkvue, LLC (Not registered in Maryland), 1 affected property, $16,500 for alleged violations.
• Caroline Iwu, 2 affected properties, $16,500 for alleged violations.
• James W. Martin III, 1 affected property, $15,000 for alleged violations.
• Tiffany S. Smithrick and Lamont T. Cooper Sr., 8 affected properties, $18,000 for alleged violations.
• Kevin Richards and Vivian Richards, 1 affected property, $21,500 for alleged violations.
• Rebecca E. Floyd, 1 affected property, $27,500 for alleged violations.
• Jerome Kobernick, 24 affected properties.  On May 10, 2011, MDE entered into a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order to resolve alleged violations. The defendant agreed to a penalty of $6,000.
• 2005/2006 DRR-ETS, LLC, (Yet another shell entity owned by the real estate bid-rigging conspirator law firm of De Laurentis, Reiff & Reid), 60 affected properties.  On May 12, 2011, MDE entered into a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order to resolve alleged violations. The $5,000 penalty has been paid.

MDE Issues Enforcement Actions Against 16 City Property Owners and 1 Lead Inspector

From the Maryland Department of the Environment:

MDE’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program serves as the coordinating agency of statewide efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. Under the 1994 “Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Law,” MDE assures compliance with mandatory requirements for lead risk reduction in rental units built before 1950, maintains a statewide listing of registered and inspected units, and provides blood lead surveillance through a registry of test results of all children tested in Maryland. The following actions were for properties alleged to be out of compliance with lead risk reduction standards:

• Jerome Kobernick – 24 affected properties, $20,000 for alleged violations.
• Walter & Robin Price – 18 affected properties, The defendant agreed to a penalty of $8,000.
• Charles Schelts, et al – 9 affected properties, The defendant agreed to a penalty of $7,000. The penalty has been paid in full.
• William Hazlehurst, Jr. – 2 affected properties, The defendant agreed to a penalty of $8,000.
• Amapola, LLC – 1 affected property, $23,500 for alleged violations.
• Double Eagle Properties, LLC and Benjamin Stauffer – 41 affected properties, $30,000 for alleged violations.
• Elaine C. G. Parker – 8 affected properties, $60,000 for alleged violations.
• Levon Evans – 2 affected properties, 27,500 for alleged violations.
• Kenyatta Kerr – 2 affected properties, $23,000 for alleged violations.
• Nicholas G. Lodowski – 13 affected properties, 40,000 for alleged violations.
• Nicole Amos – 2 affected properties, $35,000 for alleged violations.
• Lashon D. Jones-Warren – 1 affected property, $31,500 for alleged violations.
• Gail Blaze – 2 affected properties, $45,000 for alleged violations.
• Joyce Stevens – 4 affected properties, $35,000 for alleged violations.
• Salvatore P. Sabatino and Thomas L. Sabatino – 2 affected properties, $24,000 for alleged violations.
• Michael Brown – 6 affected properties, $22,000 for alleged violations.

In addition, the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program accredits and enforces performance standards for inspectors and contractors working in lead hazard reduction. The following actions are for contractors and inspectors alleged to be out of compliance with state regulations:

• Leatrice Cooper – MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking $15,000 for alleged violations.

You can read the full press release here.

MDE Issues Enforcement Actions Against 22 Baltimore City Property Owners for Lead Violations

MDE’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program serves as the coordinating agency for statewide efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. Under the 1994 “Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Law,” MDE assures compliance with mandatory requirements for lead risk reduction in rental units built before 1950, maintains a statewide listing of registered and inspected units, and provides blood lead surveillance through a registry of test results of all children tested in Maryland. The following actions were for properties alleged to be out of compliance with lead risk reduction standards:

KEBL, Properties, LLC – 9 affected properties, The defendants agreed to a penalty of $10,000.

Leonard E. Forrence & Betsey J. Forrence – 4 affected properties, $21,500 for alleged violations.

Michael Ronald Thomas, Jr. & Carol Sue Thomas – 1 affected property, $21,000 for alleged violations.

Rahel Yirga, Reta Yirga, & Nile Properties, LLC – 2 affected properties, $45,000 for alleged violations.

Marlene Kurland – 1 affected property, $32,500 for alleged violations.

Abraham Samuel Kurland – 2 affected properties, $20,000 for alleged violations.

Jovan Walker – 1 affected property, $11,000 for alleged violations.

D & D Management, Inc. – 2 affected properties, The defendants agreed to a penalty of $6,000.

Joseph C. Fair – 1 affected property, $27,500 for alleged violations.

Terrainio J. Hart – 2 affected properties, $25,000 for alleged violations.

William Miezan and Julie Miezan – 5 affected properties, $17,500 for alleged violations.

Claude L. Williams – 6 affected properties, $50,000 for alleged violations.

Debora E. Boyd and Amaka Property Management and Preservation, LLC – 3 affected properties, $26,500 for alleged violations.

Robert R. Grier and Emma Lois Grier – 1 affected property, $18,000 for alleged violations.

Enemus Samuels – 8 affected properties, $22,000 for alleged violations.

Tony Shaw – 3 affected properties, $40,000 for alleged violations.

Sac’s Harmison St. Property, LLC – 1 affected property, $27,000 for alleged violations.

Yeno F. Godfrey and Ayabavi Thon – 8 affected properties, $23,000 for alleged violations.

Sherine Gray – 4 affected properties, $30,000 for alleged violations.

Keisue Brown and Annette Brown – 6 affected properties, $40,000 for alleged violations.

2005/2006 DRR-ETS LLC and JR Realty LLC – 60 affected properties, $30,000 for alleged violations.

Carmen E. Bovell-Chester and Marlon E. Bovell – 4 affected properties, $25,000 for alleged violations.

In addition, the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program accredits and enforces performance standards for inspectors and contractors working in lead hazard reduction. The following actions are for contractors and inspectors alleged to be out of compliance with state regulations:

Davendra Birbahadur – $10,000 for alleged violations.

Lilias Rodriguez – $15,000 for alleged violations.

Lawrence T. Wilson, Jr. – $15,000 for alleged violations.

You can read the full press release here.

MDE Issues Enforcement Actions Against Four City Property Owners for Lead Violations

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued enforcement actions against four Baltimore City property owners, resulting in a total of $60,000 in fines.

• Daruish Kochesfahani – 6 affected properties, $20,000 for alleged violations
• Dak & Associates, LLC – 4 affected properties, $35,000 for alleged violations (Registered Agent for Dak & Associates:  Dariush A. Kochesfahani, 1410 E. Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286.  Corporation is not in good standing.)
• Dumbarton Investment, LLC & Edgemere Investment, LLC – 9 affected properties, The Defendants agreed to a penalty of $5,000.  (Resident Agent for Dumbarton Investment:  Yimaj Kalifa, 3842 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215.  Registered Agent for Edgemere Investment:  Same as Dumbarton Investment).

You can read the original press release here.

 

MDE Issues Enforcement Actions Against 16 City Property Owners

From the press release:

MDE’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program serves as the coordinating agency of statewide efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. Under the 1994 “Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Law,” MDE assures compliance with mandatory requirements for lead risk reduction in rental units built before 1950, maintains a statewide listing of registered and inspected units, and provides blood lead surveillance through a registry of test results of all children tested in Maryland. The following actions were for properties alleged to be out of compliance with lead risk reduction standards:

• Tioga Capital LLC – Baltimore City: 1 affected property – $27,500 for alleged violations.
• Eugene A. Kirkland – Baltimore City: 3 affected properties – $16,000 for alleged violations.
• William Hazlehurst, Jr. – Baltimore City: 1 affected property – $60,000 for alleged violations.
• SLAM LLC – Baltimore City: 10 affected properties – $20,000 for alleged violations.
• Alverine Lawson – Baltimore City: 1 affected property – $11,000 for alleged violations.
• Rhonda R. Brown – Baltimore City: 5 affected properties – $30,000 for alleged violations.
• Veronica C. Ejikeme – Baltimore City: 1 affected property – $25,000 for alleged violations.
• Jeanette B. Leath & Rita J. Minnis – Baltimore City: 3 affected properties – $33,000 for alleged violations.
• GJM I, LLC – Baltimore City: 2 affected properties – $50,000 for alleged violations.
• Fareed Nassor Hayat – Baltimore City: 9 affected properties – $40,000 for alleged violations.
• Terence Brooks – Baltimore City: 2 affected properties – $17,000 for alleged violations.
• Oluwaseyi A. Banjo – Baltimore City: 1 affected property – $17,000 for alleged violations.
• Herman L. Fortson, Jr. – Baltimore City: 1 affected property – $17,500 for alleged violations.
• The Frederick Avenue Development Corporation – Baltimore City: 10 affected properties – $65,000 for alleged violations.
• Michelle Goland & Diana Omolade – Baltimore City: 2 affected properties – $18,000 for alleged violations.
• FPD Acquisitions Corporation – Baltimore City: 18 affected properties – The Defendants agreed to a penalty of $5,000.

In addition, the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program accredits and enforces performance standards for inspectors and contractors working in lead hazard reduction. The following action is for a contractor and inspector alleged to be out of compliance with state regulations:

• Troy Williams – Baltimore City: $10,000 for alleged violations.