By Benjamin Joe
Mike Howe appeared Thursday in Lockport City Court to answer 34 allegations of building code violations. The city had cited these before the fire that destroyed the apartment complex last month.
The proceedings were adjourned to the 14th of December at the request by attorney Mike Hughes who was resigning as Howe’s legal representative.
Last week, the Common Council ordered the demolition of an apartment building that Chief Building Inspector Jason Dool had declared to be “unsafe” following the fire on October 19. According to Pat McGrath of the deputy corporation counsel, the city continues its pursuit because violations can be punished with jail or fines. Hughes has withdrawn from the case, because he does not practice criminal law.
Code violations include no windows, screens or handrails; excess garbage and no smoke alarms. Also, there are damaged doors on the interior, exterior walls that have been damaged, as well as roof damage. McGrath cited a city charter section that states that, if a violation persists after a building inspector’s warning and the owner of the property has been called to court, each day the violation is continued will be considered a separate violation and punished as such.
The city also filed a civil complaint against Howe prior to the fire. It claimed that his property was a public nuisance and sought a court order for him to vacate the premises for 12 months. Documentation of 79 calls by police to the house in the past year, ranging from complaints of disturbances and drug overdoses, to arrest warrants, mental health issues, and multiple drug raids, was the basis of the city’s charge.
Howe did not mention this charge in court on Thursday.
Howe refused to comment after the court on any of the cases.
McGrath stated that Howe had until Monday to request a hearing regarding the demolition order of the City. This is two days prior to the next Common Council meeting.
Howe received a notice from the city Oct. 27, and was told that the city would do the demolition if Howe didn’t, and he will be sent the bill.
The exterior of your home can be improved with the help of an external renovation service. Weathering, ageing or general wear can affect the aesthetics of your exterior over time. Are you looking for solutions to your problem? Well, if you want to know more, you can go right here so that you can verify for yourself the multiple options to deal with your problem Imperial Restoration exterior remodeling Toronto. Exterior renovations services include siding replacements, landscaping upgrades, window improvements, and enhancements to outdoor living spaces. You can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive and functional by engaging professional exterior renovation services. Exterior restoration specialists is essential for a renovation that enhances the overall appearance of your home, whether you are focusing on aesthetics, improving energy efficiency or adding outdoor space.
