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
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Baskin's controversial 200 Hope Street project.
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.
Related Slideshow: Companies in Violation of City Ordinance
Below are companies that the city has identified as not being in compliance because they did not report on their hiring activity. These companies were listed as noncompliant in a city report in December 2012. Subsequent city documents show that the city still had not received reports from these businesses as of March 2014. The list has been edited to remove companies that have been out of business for long period of time. However, it does include businesses that were open at some point within the past three years. Many more businesses are believed to be in noncompliance. The below list is based off the city’s own list of noncompliant businesses—specifically, those that received a loan from the Providence Economic Development Partnership (PEDP).
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Ada's Creations, Inc.
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $195,160
Description: Restaurant and lounge serving Dominican food, Ada’s also specializes in cakes and pastries.
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Alley Cat Corporation
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $55,705
Description: A gay bar located in downtown Providence.
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Alteris Renewables, Inc.
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $35,000
Description: A solar heating company that installs solar heating systems in schools, homes, businesses, and government buildings.
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Andrea Valentini
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $63,000
Description: Handmade home furnishings, handbags, and DNA jewelry company based in Providence.
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Bali Holdings, LLC
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $422,000
Description: Real estate consulting company in Providence.
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Bannister House, Inc.
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $596,587
Description: A nursing home in Providence.
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Cuban Revolution
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $$84,671
Description: Tapas bar and restaurant that recently closed shop in Providence and moved to Durham, North Carolina.
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Dr. Dennis Karambelas
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $70,518
Description: Providence-based optometrist.
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Eagle Square Commons
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $326,486
Description: Domestic Limited Liability Company based in Providence
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Exnihilo Design, Inc.
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $55,062
Description: Professional Services firm that develops e-business strategies and custom online solutions.
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Fat Belly's Irish Pub
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $78,712
Description: Upscale Irish pub in downtown Providence
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Festival Ballet Prov,
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $115,090
Description: Professional ballet performance company.
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Heritage Harbor Corp.
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $312,729
Description: A historical museum dedicated to Rhode Island’s history and supported by a partnership of local cultural and historical organizations.
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Italian Oven
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $40,274
Description: Pizza restaurant that is now closed.
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Latino Consulting, Inc.
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $247,245
Description: Latino Consulting is a daycare and pre-school in Providence.
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Los Andes, LLC
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $286,700
Description: Restaurant serving South American food that also handles large functions and catering events.
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El Jibaro
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $25,629
Description: Peruvian Restaurant in Providence.
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Viva Mexico
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $65,419
Description: Mexican Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner restaurant.
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Mi Sueno, Inc.
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $206,347
Description: Restaurant serving Mexican and Peruvian food.
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Mills Tavern Restaurant
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $444,779
Description: Restaurant serving local and seasonal foods.
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Naga Food Products
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $49,1689
Description: Server and distributor of African snacks.
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Nappa Construction Mgmt.
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $197,700
Description: Full-service commercial building and management company.
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Palmieri's Bakery
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $66,117
Description: A bakery that serves pizza, pastries, and sandwiches.
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Pastry Gourmet
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $49,431
Description: A pastry shop that was once located in Providence but relocated to Cumberland before closing.
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Pisaturo Real Estate
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $28,846
Description: Real Estate Agency
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Providence en Espanol
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $53,215
Description: Weekly Spanish-language newspaper serving the Latino community.
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Rising Sun Mills
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $555,303
Description: A mixed-use residential and commercial redevelopment with 135 apartment units and 120,000 square feet of office space on Valley Street.
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Salon Bianco
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $30,968
Description: Spa and beauty salon located on Federal Hill in Providence.
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S.Providence Development
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $281,238
Description: Building development corporation in Providence
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Julian's Omnibus
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $85,209
Description: Julian’s Restaurant food truck
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The Conrad, LP
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $427,645
Description: Commercial property in downtown Providence.
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The Dorrance, LLC
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $57,007
Description: Luxury restaurant and bar located in the heart of downtown Providence, in a renovated bank.
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Tobey Waste & Recycling
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $338,200
Description: The oldest rubbish company in the United States, Tobbey Waste & Recycling manufactures recycling and waste containers.
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Villa Dolce Vita
Aid Type: PDEP Aid
Money Received: $166,072
Description: Hotel located on Federal Hill in Providence.
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Ada's Creations, Inc. -
Alley Cat Corporation -
Alteris Renewables, Inc. -
Andrea Valentini -
Bali Holdings, LLC -
Bannister House, Inc. -
Cuban Revolution -
Dr. Dennis Karambelas -
Eagle Square Commons -
Exnihilo Design, Inc. -
Fat Belly's Irish Pub -
Festival Ballet Prov, -
Heritage Harbor Corp. -
Italian Oven -
Latino Consulting, Inc. -
Los Andes, LLC -
El Jibaro -
Viva Mexico -
Mi Sueno, Inc. -
Mills Tavern Restaurant -
Naga Food Products -
Nappa Construction Mgmt. -
Palmieri's Bakery -
Pastry Gourmet -
Pisaturo Real Estate -
Providence en Espanol -
Rising Sun Mills -
Salon Bianco -
S.Providence Development -
Julian's Omnibus -
The Conrad, LP -
The Dorrance, LLC -
Tobey Waste & Recycling -
Villa Dolce Vita
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