144 Fort Pointe Street citation closed after inspection finds basement unit removed

The zoning hearing for 144 Fort Pointe Street was closed after city staff verified that the previously cited basement apartment had been removed. Gary Oberst, the hearings officer, said he inspected the property with the fire marshal on July 9 and found no fixtures or beds in the basement space; he presented a photo that he said showed the removal.

Why it matters: the case was a continuation from a June 18 hearing in which a contingent fine had been placed pending proof of cure. Oberst told the owner on the record that staff considered the violation cured and that the contingent fine would be removed. The owner, Omar Sharif Islam, was sworn and confirmed compliance.

Details: Oberst described the inspection and said the basement apartment ‘‘has been completely removed’’ and presented photographic evidence. He asked whether anyone else wished to speak; no interested parties appeared. Oberst then stated that the contingent fine was removed and the matter was closed. He told the owner he would mail and email the decision form.

The hearing officer reminded the owner that reinstating a basement apartment would trigger further enforcement and that the city would expect compliance with permitting and occupancy regulations going forward. The officer said staff would send the owner a copy of the decision by mail and email.