Abatement Appeals Board extends hold on 819 Ellis order for 30 days; owner told to remove online advertising

The Abatement Appeals Board voted unanimously April 15 to extend the order of abatement for 819 Ellis Street for 30 days while the property owner pursues permits and resolves remaining notices of violation.

Rosemarie Boske, Chief Housing Inspector, told the board staff had updated the case file and provided photos taken the day before the hearing showing the building unoccupied but still furnished for hostel use. Boske said the American International Hostel sign had been removed but online advertising posted as recently as the day before was evidence the property could be advertised for transient residential use despite the historic lack of lawful residential approvals. Staff estimated about $3,600 in assessment costs to date for inspections and related work.

Owner Philip Achilles told commissioners the building was empty and used only for storage, denied plans to reopen without approvals and said he would remove any advertising if it was found. Commissioners pressed staff and the owner on two permits currently under planning review; staff said the two permits on file addressed illegal partitions and limited work and did not appear sufficient to legalize long‑term residential use.

Commissioner Walker moved to extend the board’s previous decision holding the order of abatement in abeyance for 30 days to allow the owner to obtain permits and resolve building‑code items; the motion passed in a roll‑call vote with all present voting yes. The board instructed staff to monitor compliance and to report back if advertising remained active or if inspections showed re‑occupancy.

The board’s action keeps the order in place while giving the property owner a short window to demonstrate progress toward remediation and proper permitting.