Magistrate Imposes $46,600 in Fines on Long‑running Code Case at 1115 Northwest First Ave

The special magistrate on March 11 ordered payment of $46,600 in accrued fines for code violations at 1115 Northwest First Avenue, concluding that the city’s calculations — which accounted for earlier suspensions and extensions — were correct.

Senior Officer Gail Williams presented the city’s filing, which traced multiple inspections, suspensions and periods of noncompliance dating back to spring 2024. The file showed a mix of property‑maintenance and safety violations; the city sought the full amount of fines it had accumulated while the property remained out of compliance.

Attorney Omar Persaud, representing property owner Thomas A. Smith, described steps taken to address the most significant items (including roof and permit work) and said the owner had attempted to work with inspectors on remediation. Persaud and the owner described tenant‑related complications that slowed some improvements, including repeated re‑occurrence of vehicle storage that undermined landscaping efforts.

City counsel reviewed the case history and confirmed that two previously granted extensions (one in late September/October and another in December) were already reflected in the city’s calculations. After the city confirmed the numbers, the magistrate elected to impose the full $46,600 in fines for the outstanding, accrued amounts. The magistrate noted the owner may apply for amnesty programs available under city procedures, which could reduce the assessed amount if eligibility criteria are met.

The magistrate entered the order imposing the fines and advised the owner’s counsel about amnesty and appeal options available under city rules. The city will record the fine and continue to monitor for compliance.