Newark Fire Inspectors, working with the NJDCA Division of Fire Safety, Newark’s Code Enforcement Officers and Health Department, have closed an illegal South Ward rooming house in response to citizen complaints according to Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.
Officials say on Friday, February 16th; a Newark Fire Inspector responded to a one-family house at 46-48 Van Ness Place following citizen complaints.
The Inspector, personnel from the NJDCA Division of Fire Safety, city Code Enforcement Officers and Health Department personnel inspected the location.
They found deplorable conditions inside the residence, including faulty electrical wiring, illegal plumbing and gas lines, non-working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well as unlawful bedrooms and cooking areas in the basement officials say.
The single-family structure had been illegally converted into 14 bedrooms. Officials say the residence was immediately closed for the violations, which posed health and safety hazards to its occupants.
The building’s owner, Quad T. Holdings, LLC of East Orange, has been cited for numerous violations and this matter has been referred to Municipal Court, and an application for a lien against the property will be submitted on Monday.
Director Ambrose said property’s 12 adult residents were provided temporary shelter at the YMCA.
“Quad T. Holdings is no strangers to us. We have had citizen complaints on several occasions relevant to other illegal rooming houses they own,” Director Ambrose said. “However, we encourage our residents to continue partnering with us as we improve the quality of life for all of us, residents as well as visitors and business owners.”
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about any criminal or suspicious activity to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.