Developer with Ties to Providence City Hall Lacked Inspections

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Kate Nagle, GoLocal Contributor

A politically connected developer and contractor with student housing properties on the East Side lacked inspections -- and was in one instance in violation of fire code when students moved in the past two years -- with no apparent ramifications from the city.

Developer and contractor Aron Baskin, whose renovations at a historic property at 200 Hope Street came under fire from neighbors this spring, was cited in 2013 by the city for allowing students to live at 124 Waterman Street despite multiple violations -- including lack of operational fire alarm system --  that were identified prior to obtaining a certificate of occupancy from the city.  

This year, inspection files show that students were again living at a property prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy from the city's electrical inspector, mechanical inspector, structures, and fire inspectors this time at 161 Waterman Street, where Baskin is listed as the contractor.  

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When contacted Tuesday, Brown University spokesperson Marisa Quinn provided the following statement regarding the university's oversight of off-campus housing.

"We have approximately 1300 students living off campus, and we emphasize when they are making this decision about the responsibilities that come with off-campus living. In particular, we encourage students to think critically before signing a lease, to be aware of zoning rules and ordinances, issues of safety and security, and the relationship with the landlord and with their neighbors," said Quinn, noting the University provided an online resource for off-campus housing.  

Baskin's lawyer, John Garrahy with Moses, Afonso, and Ryan did not respond to request for comment Tuesday as to whether Baskin had been fined by the city for the violations.   

Violations Documented

In March, a Baskin development to a historic property on 200 Hope Street on the East Side of Providence had residents and community groups expressing concerns about the scope of the project -- and the city's zoning and approval process.

A group was established called "Lippitt Legacy", which held a press conference in May to address building and inspection issues with both the project -- and the city's handling of the matter. The group also raised health concerns with asbestos at the project, with Baskin coming under a federal OSHA probe for violations.

Despite fines beings levied by OSHA, a spokesperson for the Department of Health said Tuesday said that the state had not yet taken any action.  

"We are working with the owners of the property to get compliance with all applicable asbestos and lead regulatory requirements to make sure it is safe for residents," said HEALTH spokesperson Christina Batastini.  "We have not issued any fines yet.  We do not, however, rule out taking enforcement actions in the future."

Now, documents reveal that Baskin was sent a letter in 2013 for having "dangerous and unsafe conditions" at 124 Waterman -- including no operational fire alarm system -- while "illegal tenants" were living at the property.  

The 2014 file shows handwritten notes that inspectors found students to be living at property at 161 Waterman Street on August 20 prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy following inspections between August 26 and August 28.  The file also shows Baskin was issued a stop work order in March at the property -- for lack of an approved asbestos removal plan. 

Read 2013 Letter for 124 Waterman HERE

Read 2014 File for 161 Waterman HERE

A recent series by Boston Globe on off-campus housing in Boston called "Shadow Campus", in their words, "revealed that a collision of greed, neglect and mismanagement is endangering young people in America’s college capital, enriching some absentee landlords who maximize profits by packing students into properties and routinely ignore the dictates of critical housing codes."

A spokesperson from Mayor Taveras' office did not respond to request for comment on Tuesday.  

Attorneys' City Contributions

Baskin's lawyer John Garrahy is with the firm of Moses, Afonso, and Ryan.  

Campaign finance records show that Garrahy has given over $1400 to Angel Taveras since 2010, and the firm's three principals and their spouses have given over $20,000 combined to Taveras over the past four years.  Baskin has one contribution listed -- to City Council President Micheal Solomon.  

The firm, a defendant in the State of Rhode Island's 38 Studios lawsuit, recently agreed to a multi-million dollar settlement with the state. 

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