A neglected corner property in New Haven, Connecticut, is still considered dangerously rundown while its Florida-based owner has yet to appear in court and faces growing repercussions, the New Haven Independent reported.
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The vacant building is tied to $259,000 in unpaid anti-blight penalties, a balance that has remained outstanding since the state issued an arrest warrant for 41-year-old Sim Levenhartz on April 7, citing his failure to bring the building up to code.
According to the New Haven Independent, 781 Whalley Ave./50 Fitch has been a source of frustration for officials since 2018, when a car crash damaged the structure. The resulting repairs were never finished, even though Levenhartz had received a permit for them.
On May 14, when Levenhartz was due at a hearing on the anti-blight fines, he reportedly evaded arrest by skipping the hearing. His attorney, Ken Rozich, said he had intended to appear but left before the hearing began after learning of the pending warrant.
City building official Bob Dillon, who sought the warrant, told the New Haven Independent that he would revoke the repair permit — issued May 21 and good for 180 days — if Levenhartz did not begin to fulfill his duties to bring the building up to code.
"It's frustrating," Dillon said.
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More background
New Haven's Livable City Initiative has been relying on stricter anti-blight tactics, including higher fines and daily penalties, to push problem landlords to comply.
LCI Executive Director Liam Brennan said Levenhartz's bill would have climbed to $779,000 if those accumulating fines had continued after June 5. They were put on hold because Levenhartz went through the process of obtaining the permit.
For now, the city is continuing to apply pressure on several fronts. The arrest warrant is still active, the $259,000 fines are still due, and officials said the penalties could start increasing again if the promised work is not finished within the 180-day period.
All this appears to have pushed Levenhartz into action. "These fines have not been wiped out. He has not paid it. It's a sword hanging over their head," Brennan told the New Haven Independent.
Temporary shoring work and graffiti removal are among the progress made at the property. An illegal vehicle-storage operation on a vacant lot behind the property also ceased.
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