The board’s decision to condemn an attic apartment on Jackson Street was a focal point of the meeting. The unit, occupied by Elani Quo, her two young children, and another minor, was found to be unfit for habitation. Quo, a current tenant of the property, detailed living conditions that included high lead levels and inadequate space, prompting concerns for her family’s safety. The board acknowledged the serious health implications, particularly for Quo’s children, and discussed the necessity of declaring the unit uninhabitable.

Board members recognized the challenging implications of this decision, as Quo faced potential homelessness if forced to vacate the premises within 24 hours. However, they also emphasized that condemning the unit could expedite her access to emergency housing services, thereby facilitating a transition to safer accommodations. The board also stressed the immediate need for the landlord to address lead contamination throughout the building, as only the attic had been inspected thus far. This decision underscored their commitment to ensuring safe living conditions for all residents, despite the potential hardships for the current occupants.

Another issue on the agenda was the recurring problem of tobacco sales violations. Several local establishments, including 4 Liquors, El Rubio Supermarket, Aras Market, Hewitt Liquors, and Light Shi Liquors, were cited for selling tobacco products to minors. The board imposed a one-day suspension of tobacco sales permits for each of these businesses, effective October 29. These actions were taken in response to multiple incidents where minors were sold cigarettes without being asked for identification.

A public hearing regarding proposed amendments to tobacco regulations was scheduled for December 10.

In another discussion, the meeting turned to the property on Newton Street and Salem Street. The board reviewed a complaint regarding a leaking roof and subsequent lead contamination, which had remained unresolved since the complaint was filed in January. Tenant George Roas had requested a lead inspection after his child tested positive for lead exposure. Despite a correction order issued to the property owner, Alan Kush, no remediation efforts were made, and violations persisted.

The board faced limitations in this case, as the eviction proceedings initiated by the landlord complicated their ability to enforce compliance. With fines accumulating, the board acknowledged their inability to intervene directly in legal disputes between tenants and landlords, emphasizing that resolution would need to occur within the housing court system. Tenant representatives expressed frustration at the landlord’s history of neglect and the extended timeline of unresolved complaints, highlighting communication issues that hindered necessary remediation efforts.