It seems that city officials have finally agreed to put the squeeze on Philly’s deadbeat landlords- and all it took was the death of two fireman.
This week, the Lichtenstein brothers who owned the Kensington factory that went up in flames, killing two firemen, have been cited for one of their 31 local properties.
Philly.com reports that L&I issued three citations to the Lichtensteins for their property on Market Street (pictured left), including operating a multifamily dwelling without a housing-inspection license, failing to keep fire-alarm-testing records and certificates on site and improperly maintaining the facade.
A spokesman for L&I has said that the department is thoroughly reviewing all of the Lichtenstein’s properties for additional violations, which could be used to establish a pattern of neglect if the Lichtensteins are charged in connection with the Thomas Buck Hosiery fire.
On Tuesday it was announced that a Grand Jury will investigate the cause of the fire to determine if criminal charges will be filed. The Lichtensteins have hired a local criminal defense lawyer, Michael A. Schwartz, who has declined to comment on the case, telling Philly.com, ”Given these investigations, it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this time.”
Source: Philly.com, CBS3
Related Posts:
Chris Lipczynski
