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Owners of evacuated building get violation notices

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February 11, 2012|By Martine Powers

Firefighters posted a sign on the building on Harrison Ave. yesterday indicating… (David L Ryan / Globe Staff )

The city’s Inspectional Services Departmentcq has handed a slew of violations to the owners of a Chinatown apartment building evacuated Wednesday because of structural problems.

Today, Alexander and Julie Szetocq of Southborough received eight violation notices for the property, a five-floor apartment building listed as 19-25cq Harrison Ave.

Firefighters entered the building Wednesdaycq afternoon in response to a false fire alarm. After they arrived, they noticed missing structural columns in the basement that put the apartment at risk of collapse. City officials also noticed fire hazards and poor sanitary conditions, and demanded that the tenants leave immediately; it is unclear when, or if, they will be able to return to their residences.

Today’s violations from the Inspectional Services Department include a lack of sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency lights; missing structural columns; inaccessible emergency exits; and poor ventilation.

The owners will have to apply for a new certification for a 33cq-person lodging house. Fire department officials estimated Thursday that between 40 and 50cq people were living in the apartment at the time of evacuation.

According to the violation notices, if the owners do not correct the problems in 30 days, they will face fines or criminal prosecution.