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.

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

From the MDE’s 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:

• Lee D. Higginbotham – Baltimore City:  6 affected properties, $17,000 for alleged violations.
• Barnie Sherrod – Baltimore City:  1 affected property, $20,000 for alleged violations.
• Amadou Diallo – Baltimore City:  5 affected properties, $21,000 for alleged violations.
• Gregory Hairston – Baltimore City:  2 affected properties, $12,000 for alleged violations.
• D & D Management, Inc. & Walter Goodwich – Baltimore City:  8 affected properties, $45,000 for alleged violations.
• Jennifer Whelan & JR Realty, LLC – Baltimore City:  1 affected property, $11,000 for alleged violations.
• Gene Yarborough & Mariko Yarborough – Baltimore City:  1 affected property, $22,000 for alleged violations.
• Tamera Roberts – Baltimore City:  2 affected properties, $17,000 for alleged violations.
• Clinton H. Clark, Sr. & Margaret Clark – Baltimore City:  1 affected property, $20,000 for alleged violations.
• Kassandra Jarvi – Baltimore City:  1 affected property, $15,000 for alleged violations.
• Martina V. Reed – Baltimore City:  1 affected property, $27,500 for alleged violations.
• Arif Naseem & Nayyirah Naseem – Baltimore City:  9 affected properties, $16,500 for alleged violations.
• Christian Kaikai – Baltimore City:  4 affected properties, $24,000 for alleged violations.
• Eric Pelletier – Baltimore City:  2 affected properties, $25,000 for alleged violations.
• Keith Wilson – Baltimore City:  39 affected properties, $30,000 for alleged violations.
• Skywalk Properties, LLC – Baltimore City:  16 affected properties, $67,500 for alleged violations.
• Chivalry Investments, LLC – Baltimore City:  25 affected properties, $30,000 for alleged violations.
• Chesmal, LLC – Baltimore City:  31 affected properties, $20,000 for alleged violations.

As usual, we thank Secretary Shari T. Wilson and her staff for their hard work towards keeping Baltimore City’s children free from lead paint risks.

MDE Reports Record Number of Enforcement Actions

From the October 4 press release:

For the third straight year, the Maryland Department of the Environment issued more enforcement actions than in any previous year, an agency report released today shows.

MDE’s 14th annual Enforcement and Compliance Report shows that the number of enforcement actions between July 2009 and June 2010 was nearly 7 percent higher than in the prior 12 months. The more than 3,000 enforcement actions taken during the fiscal year ending in June 2010 is the highest number for any year since reporting began in 1998. That figure also represents a greater than 50 percent increase since MDE launched an initiative in early 2007 to improve enforcement.

During FY 2010, MDE regulated approximately 158,000 entities. This increase from the approximately 117,000 regulated entities in the prior fiscal year is primarily due to a revision in the method of counting regulated rental properties in the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

You can read the full enforcement report or view other enforcement actions here.

MDE Issues Enforcement Actions in Baltimore City

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:

• Rodwell Bailey – Baltimore City: 2 affected properties, $16,500 for alleged violations.
• Randolph Jackson – Baltimore City: 2 affected properties, $32,000 for alleged violations.
• The Paradigm Group, LLC, Christina Abdulghani & Tareq Abdulghani – Baltimore City: 23 affected properties, $70,000 for alleged violations.
• Glen E. Adams & Edith J. Adams – Baltimore City: 2 affected properties, $44,000 for alleged violations.
• Steve Kalifa, Edgemere Investment, LLC & Dumbarton Investment, LLC – Baltimore City: 3 affected properties, $35,000 for alleged violations.
• E. Geronimo Robinson – Baltimore City: 1 affected property, $26,500 for alleged violations.
• Darnell Collins, Jr. – Baltimore City: 2 affected properties, $17,000 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 action is for a contractor and inspector alleged to be out of compliance with state regulations:

• Wanda Simpson – Baltimore City & Anne Arundel County: On July 22, 2010, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking $5,000 for alleged violations.

You can read the press release here.

MDE Issues Fines Totalling $177,000 For Lead Violations

From the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE):

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 Baltimore City properties alleged to be out of compliance with lead risk reduction standards:

• Donald J. Steibe: 1 affected property – $16,500 for alleged violations.
• Robinson Caro & Marcella Black-Caro: 3 affected properties – $20,000 for alleged violations.
• Robert Cedric Johnson Jr.: 1 affected property – $16,500 for alleged violations.
• FPD Acquisitions Corp. : 16 affected properties – $17,500 for alleged violations. (Corporation is not in good standing).
• Tyrone A. Vaughn: 5 affected properties – $14,000 for alleged violations.
• Dumbarton Investment: 6 affected properties – $20,000 for alleged violations.
• Baltimore Property Group, et al: 9 affected properties – $65,000.

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:

• Pride Investment & Development: On July 15, 2010, MDE issued a Notice of Violations with Penalty seeking $7,500 for alleged violations. (Corporation is not in good standing).

You can read the entire press release here.

We again applaud Secretary Shari T. Wilson and her dedicated staff for their determination and hard work to keep Baltimore City’s children safe from careless property owners.

MDE Issues Enforcement Actions Against 21 City Property Owners

The Maryland Department of the Environment issued enforcement actions against multiple Baltimore City property owners, and one lead contractor, for violations.  The fines totaled $546,500 and affected 66 properties.

• KEBL Properties – 9 affected properties, $50,000 for alleged violations. (Resident Agent for KEBL Properties – Steven R. Levine, 851 St. Edmonds Place, Annapolis, MD 21401)
• Lily Tedla and Aklile Gessesse – 6 affected properties, $20,000 for alleged violations.
• Danielle Henson – 8 affected properties, $30,000 for alleged violations.
• Emmanuel Lamptey and Shannon Lamptey – 3 affected properties, $33,000 for alleged violations.
• Alonzo and Monica Williamson – 3 affected properties, $25,000 for alleged violations.
• Robert St. Cyr – 3 affected properties, $16,500 for alleged violations.
• R.M.S. Target Properties LLC, RM Rosen LLC, RM-AS LLC, RM-MA LLC, RM-MAKO LLC, RM-TGM LLC, RM-WILLIAMS LLC, RM-YS LLC, and Arnon Magal – 22 affected properties, $296,000 for alleged violations.
• Maxine Carthens and Marlon Richardson – 8 affected properties, $65,000 for alleged violations.
• 825 West 38th Street LLC – 4 affected properties, $5,000 for alleged violations. (Resident Agent for 825 West 38th Street, LLC:  Steven Munitz, 28 Farm Haven Court, Rockville, MD 20852 – was also issued fines in March 2010).

The following contractor/inspector was found to be out of compliance with state regulations and was fined accordingly:

• MAB Realty Group, LLC – $6,000 for alleged violations. (Resident Agent for MAB Realty Group, LLC:  Overton Winfield Taylor, Jr., 912 Wildwood Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21229 / 5355-5 Smooth Meadow Way, Columbia, MD 21044.  Corporate charter is not in good standing with the State of Maryland, and has been forfeited.)

You can read the entire MDE press release here.

MDE Issues Enforcement Actions Against Five City Property Owners

The Maryland Department of the Environment issued enforcement actions against five Baltimore City property owners, and one lead inspector, for violations.  The fines totaled $75,000 and affected 8 properties.

• Edward L. Boone: 1 affected property, $12,000 for alleged violations.
• Thomas Gangl: 3 affected properties, $20,000 for alleged violations.
• Chioma Max-Adigwe: 1 affected property, $12,500 for alleged violations.
• TMG 21223 LLC: 2 affected properties, $8,000 for alleged violations.  Resident agent for TMG21223, LLC: 1106 W. Pratt, LLC.  Neither company is in good standing with the state, with 1106 W. Pratt being listed as “dissolved”.  The office address for 1106 W. Pratt is listed as 1701 Kalorama Road, NW, Washington, DC 20009.
• Charles M. Davis & Frederick Realty Inc.: 1 affected property, $6,000 for alleged violations.

The following lead inspector was found to be out of compliance with state regulations:

James N. Cheatham Jr. D/B/A CJ Lead Specialist: $15,000 for alleged violations.

MDE Issues Enforcement Actions Against Two Baltimore City Property Owners, One 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:

• Bernice Neaves & Marjorie Parham, 1 affected property, $21,000 in fines
• Charles Matiella, 3 affected properties, $22,000 in fines

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:

• Alan Czarnowsky, On December 23, 2009, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking $10,000 for alleged violations.

MDE Issues 13 Enforcement Actions in Baltimore City for Lead Paint Violations

Again we see that the Maryland Department of the Environment is taking a tough stand against lead paint violations in Baltimore City.  A total of 299 properties were affected, and a total of $353,500 in fines were issued.  You can read the entire press release here. Many thanks to Secretary Wilson and her staff for their hard work!

The Baltimore City property owners fined are as follows:

• Twyla Garrett and Hidden Levels, LLC – Baltimore City: 7 affected properties – On October 9, 2009, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking $44,000 for alleged violations.
• T. Britt Price, Lisa Gallagher-Donaho, and Excel Property Management, LLC – Baltimore City: 2 affected properties – On October 9, 2009, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking $15,000 for alleged violations.
• Roseline Petro-Siewe – Baltimore City: 3 affected properties – On October 23, 2009, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking $22,500 for alleged violations.
• Park Arms, LLC – Baltimore City: 2 affected properties – On October 23, 2009, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking $35,000 for alleged violations.
• Paul R. Williams – Baltimore City: 1 affected property – On October 23, 2009, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking $10,500 for alleged violations.
• Walter E. Price and Robin Price – Baltimore City: 4 affected properties – On November 2, 2009, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking $20,000 for alleged violations.
• Prisoners Aid Association of Maryland, Inc. – Baltimore City: 15 affected properties – On November 2, 2009, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking $33,000 for alleged violations.
• Michael Gekht – Baltimore City: 11 affected properties – On November 2, 2009, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking $15,000 for alleged violations.
• Gladis L. McKoy and James McKoy – Baltimore City: 2 affected properties – On November 2, 2009, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking a combined $63,000 for alleged violations.
• K Sanga, LLC – Baltimore City: 6 affected properties – On November 13, 2009, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking $25,000 for alleged violations.
• Diebold Hughes and Barbara Hughes – Baltimore City: 9 affected properties – On November 13, 2009, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking $33,000 for alleged violations.
• Neighborhood Rental Services of Baltimore, Inc., et al. – Baltimore City: 179 affected properties – On October 23, 2009, MDE issued a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order seeking $17,500 for alleged violations. This penalty has been paid in full.
• Mohammad T. Rahman, et al. – Baltimore City: 58 affected properties – On November 10, 2009, MDE issued a Settlement Agreement and Consent Order seeking $20,000 for alleged violations.

Also, according to the press release — a contractor has been fined for being out of compliance with state lead regulations:

Chijioke Onuoha – Baltimore City: On November 13, 2009, MDE issued an Administrative Complaint, Order and Penalty seeking $5,000 for alleged violations.

MDE Issues Enforcement Actions Against 11 Baltimore City Slumlords

The Maryland Department of the Environment issued 11 enforcement actions against 11 Baltimore City property owners for lead paint violations.  The enforcement actions resulted in $267,500 in fines, and affected 75 properties.  Many thanks to the MDE for the excellent work they do on behalf of Baltimore City’s residents.

The property owners are as follows:

• Oluranti Jacob Awe
• Richard Burke and John Burke
• American Equity Rentals Three, LLC (Registered Agent:  Julius Balzac, 11436 Cronridge Drive, Owings Mills, MD 21117)
• LKW Real Estate, Inc (Not a registered corporation in Maryland)
• 3133 North Calvert, LLC  (Registered Agent:  Gordon D. Fronk, 502 Washington Avenue #700, Towson, MD 21204)
• Pride Investment & Development, LLC  (Registered Agent:  John Conway 916 Whitelock Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217)
• Syed Zakir Shah, Shamim Shah, and Shah Real Estate, LLC
• Ida Gowans
• TMG 21223, LLC (Registered Agent is a dissolved corporation, “1106 W. Pratt St., LLC” with the address of 1700 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21223)
• William A. Glide, Jr.
• Joseph L. Russ