The primary focus of the meeting was the detailed testimony regarding the building’s unsafe conditions. Paul Tellier, representing the city’s Inspectional Services Department, described the property as a “moldy rat-infested high-rise building” with non-functional fire alarms and sprinklers. He outlined a history of repeated violations and the owner’s failure to comply with state sanitary codes. Tellier emphasized the immediate threat to tenant safety, particularly in the event of a fire, and noted that despite appearances of progress, the property owner, Waters Edge Limited Partnership, had not followed through on necessary repairs.

Michael Wells, the Director of Municipal Inspections, supported Tellier’s statements with specific details from a critical inspection in November 2022. He highlighted that the fire alarm panel was so defective it required a 24/7 fire watch. Wells noted ongoing issues such as leaks in the fire pump, structural damage, rodent infestations, and mold presence, all of which posed significant health risks. Deputy Chief Paul Chever of the Revere Fire Department reiterated these concerns, pointing out that the fire department had responded to the property 85 times in the past 20 months, primarily for building issues rather than medical emergencies. He noted the strain this placed on the department and the property owner’s failure to compensate for the fire detail since February.

The board also heard from Building Commissioner Louis Cavanaro, who pointed out that no permits for essential repairs had been issued, aside from dumpsters, and emphasized the importance of proper qualifications for significant work on high-rise buildings. The testimony collectively painted a picture of a property in significant disrepair, posing risks not only to its residents but also to emergency responders.

Public comments underscored the human impact of the potential condemnation. Attorney Andrew Burer, representing the tenant association, emphasized the need for tenants to have adequate time to find alternative accommodations. Tenants shared personal stories, highlighting the disruption and anxiety caused by the uncertainty of potential displacement. One tenant, an essential healthcare worker, stressed the reliance on local transportation for work and childcare, while another expressed concerns about her pregnancy and the stress of possibly having to move without adequate notice.

Business owner Paul Visconti reported not receiving any formal communication regarding the condemnation process and expressed concern that moving would likely lead to his business’s closure. A disabled veteran and resident of the building articulated the distress caused by the uncertainty surrounding their living situation, asking the Board to provide clarity on the timeline for any forced moves.

Despite the emotional testimonies, the board members expressed sympathy for the tenants but ultimately agreed that condemnation was necessary to ensure safety. One board member articulated the difficulty of the decision, emphasizing that “condemnation is the only option to make a change happen.” They assured tenants that the Board of Health would provide support to ensure their transition to safe housing.

The meeting also included a discussion on procedural issues raised by a lawyer representing Waters Edge, who argued that the order to correct was outdated and questioned the legitimacy of the city’s actions. The city’s attorney countered that the order was valid and that the owner had not taken necessary actions to protect the residents.

In addition to the condemnation, the board reviewed reports on other health and safety issues in the city. Lauren Buck, the Director of Public Health, provided the Public Health Communicable Monthly Report for August 2024, noting a slight rise in COVID-19 cases and emphasizing the importance of preparing for the flu and COVID-19 immunization season. She also raised concerns about a suspected case of West Nile virus in the city, offering safety tips to mitigate the risk.

Michael Wells presented the Inspectional Services Monthly Report, detailing various inspections and violations, including 167 Certificate of Fitness inspections, 48 routine food inspections, and 123 violations for litter and debris. These reports highlighted the ongoing efforts to maintain health and safety standards across the city.