Owner of 30 Lexington requests time while property remains condemned; hearing continued to Dec. 17

The owner of 30 Lexington told the Sept. 17 hearing that the property remains condemned and locked after a fire and that the owner is engaged in litigation with the insurance company. The building department and zoning staff said historical records show approvals from 2003 and 2007 related to removal of a third-floor kitchen and earlier work; staff collected historical zoning documentation and provided it to the owner.

Because the building is locked and cannot be accessed, city staff said plans and remediation require coordination with the insurance claim and legal counsel. The owner said he purchased the property in 2011 believing it was a three-unit building and that he is working with a public adjuster and counsel; he requested additional time to resolve the insurance matters and secure access to the building.

The hearing officer continued the matter to Dec. 17 and found the violation continuing but declined to impose additional penalties given pending litigation and the building’s current locked/condemned status. The owner was told to submit updates and any documentation from the building department, insurance adjuster or counsel before the next hearing.

Speakers included owner Rajesh Shenoy, Deputy Zoning Inspector John Hayducki and the hearing officer. Staff urged the owner to provide documentation of litigation and insurance correspondence to demonstrate progress toward remediation.